IUCN RED LIST
Established in 1964, The IUCN Red List is a critical indicator of the health of the world’s biodiversity. Species are classified by the IUCN Red List into nine groups, through criteria such as rate of decline, population size and area of geographic distribution as:
- Extinct (EX) – This species is no longer extant
- Extinct in the wild (EW) – Survives only in captivity, or through cultivation often outside native range
- Critically endangered (CR) – In an extremely critical state
- Endangered (EN) – Very high risk of extinction in the wild
- Vulnerable (VU) – At high risk of unnatural (human-caused) extinction
- Near Threatened (NT) – Close to being endangered in the near future
- Least Concern (LC) – Widespread and abundant in the wild
- Data Deficient (DD) – Inadequate information to assess extinction risk
- Not Evaluated (NE) – Has not yet been assessed
The wings are predominantly yellowish-brown to lemon-brown with intricate dark markings and prominent eyespots on both forewings and hindwings. The underside is more cryptically colored, providing effective camouflage among dry vegetation and leaf litter.
The Lemon Pansy is a highly active and territorial butterfly. It frequently basks in sunlight with its wings spread flat and often returns to favored perches after short flights. Males actively defend territories and chase away intruders. The species is most abundant during and after the monsoon season.
The Lemon Pansy is a resident species and does not undertake long-distance migrations. Local seasonal movements may occur in response to rainfall, vegetation growth, and resource availability.
Females lay eggs singly on host plants belonging mainly to the family Acanthaceae, including species of Ruellia and Barleria. Breeding occurs throughout the year in tropical regions, with peaks during the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons when host plants are plentiful.
The conspicuous eyespots on the wings serve as a defense mechanism by startling predators or diverting attacks away from vital body parts. The cryptic coloration of the wing undersides provides excellent camouflage when the butterfly rests with wings closed. Seasonal variation in coloration further enhances survival in changing environments.
Adults feed primarily on nectar from flowering plants. They may also obtain nutrients from rotting fruits, tree sap, and damp soil. Caterpillars feed on the leaves of host plants belonging mainly to the Acanthaceae family.
The Lemon Pansy is commonly found in open grasslands, scrublands, agricultural fields, roadsides, gardens, parks, forest edges, and urban green spaces.
