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 oenone is a very common species found across sub-Saharan Africa, southern Arabia and on Madagascar.
Habitats
This species is primarily an insect of savannah / woodland mosaics, but has adapted to many other habitats, and is now common in acacia scrub, clearings in rainforest, grassy hillsides, parks, and city gardens.
Lifecycle
The larval foodplants include Asystasia, Barleria, Hypoestes, Justicia, Paulowilhelmia, Brilliantaisia and Ruellia (Acanthaceae).
Adult behaviour
Both sexes are extremely fond of nectaring at the flowers of herbaceous plants, and are especially attracted to Tridax. Males perch on the ground or among tall grasses, to await passing females, which lead them to a convenient spot nearby where copulation takes place.