Blue Pansy

Afrikaans name: Blou-gesiggie

Photo © Steven Herbert

Junonia oenone oenone

The Blue Pansy is an attractive butterfly that reaches a wingspan of around 5 cm. The male and female have similar colouration but females are slightly bigger. In contrast to the beautiful colours on the top of the wings the underside is predominantly brown.

The Blue Pansy is only found in Africa which includes the islands off the coast of Africa. Over much of its range it is referred to as the Dark Blue Pansy as there is a species of butterfly found in Africa which is called the Blue Pansy.

This is a common butterfly in parks, gardens, along forest hedges and hilltops. The male Blue Pansy spends a lot of time chasing other butterflies that enter its space.

Photo © Steven Herbert

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References and further reading

Butterflies of Southern Africa - A field guide - Author: Mark Williams - Year Published: 1994 - Page: 76

Butterflies of the Kruger National Park - Author: Johan Kloppers and the late Dr. G. Van Son - Year Published: 1978 - Page: 73

Familiar South African Butterflies - Author: Clive Quickelberge - Year Published: 1986 - Page: 37

Field Guide to Butterflies of South Africa - Author: Steve Woodhall - Year Published: 2005 - Page: 136

Gardening for Butterflies - Author: Steve Woodhall & Lindsay Gray - Year Published: 2015 - Page: 56

Ivor Migdoll's Field Guide to the Butterflies of Southern Africa - Author: Ivor Migdoll - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 172

Reader's Digest Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of Southern Africa - 2nd edi - Author: Editor - Alan Duggan - Year Published: 1991 - Page: 398

What's That Butterfly - Author: Steve Woodhall - Year Published: 2008 - Page: 885

Wildlife of Southern Africa - Author: Martin Withers and David Hosking - Year Published: 2011 - Page: 248