Introduction
The genus Junonia comprises about 33 species which are found variously in North America, South America, Africa, Asia and Australia.
There are 17 species found in mainland Africa – hadrope, westermanni, artaxia, stygia, gregorii, terea, natalica, chorimene, touhilimasa, ansorgei, cymodoce, africana, schmiedeli, sophia, orithya, hierta and oenone. The latter 3 species also occur on Madagascar. Additionally there are 2 species endemic to Madagascar – rhadama and goudoti.
Junonia chorimene is found from the Gambia to Ethiopia and northern Kenya; and in s.w. Arabia.
Habitats
This species is found in degraded open forest habitats, savannah / woodland mosaics, and on farmland at altitudes between sea level and about 600m.
Lifecycle
The larval foodplants include Asystasia, Barleria, Hypoestes, Paulowilhelmia and Ruellia.
Adult behaviour
The butterflies are usually found in open habitats where they nectar avidly at any available flowers. In very hot weather they seek shade, either within forest, or beneath trees in open situations.