Jammu and Kashmir Declares Blue Pansy as State Butterfly
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Jammu and Kashmir, a union territory of India, part of the larger Kashmir region. |
| Geopolitical Context | Claimed by India, Pakistan, and China. Separated from Pakistan-controlled areas by the Line of Control. |
| Neighboring Regions | North of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, west of Ladakh (also a union territory of India). |
| State Butterfly | Blue Pansy (Junonia orithya) declared as the state butterfly. |
| Butterfly Characteristics | Bright blue and black wings with eye-like spots, orange patches, and a zigzag white line. |
| Names in Different Regions | - India: Blue Pansy - Southern Africa: Eyed Pansy - Australia: Blue Argus |
| Life Cycle | - Larva (Caterpillar): Blackish-brown with orange ends, tiny spines. - Pupa (Chrysalis): Purple and yellowish. - Adult Butterfly: Quick glide-and-flap flight, territorial. |
| Diet of Caterpillars | Feeds on plants from families like Acanthaceae, Convolvulaceae, Verbenaceae, and Violaceae. Common plants include Viola odorata, Ipomoea batatas, and Thunbergia alata. |
| Habitat | Open sunny areas, gardens, parks, and roadsides. |