Introduction
The genus Junonia comprises about 33 species, of which 11 occur in the Oriental region, including 6 in the Indian subcontinent – lemonias, orithya, hierta, iphita, atlites and almana.
Junonia lemonias is distributed from India to China. In Malaysia it is found in Kedawi but does not extend further south.
Habitats
This is a common species found in a wide variety of lowland habitats ranging from disturbed areas of rainforest, to arid Acacia thorn scrub. It commonly occurs in gardens, parks and wasteland.
Lifecycle
The larval foodplants include Asteracantha, Nelsonia, Lepidagathis, Sida and Goldfussia.
Adult behaviour
The butterflies are usually seen in two’s and three’s, either basking on low foliage, or nectaring at wild or garden flowers.
