Grey Pansy

Grey Pansy

Precis atlites ( L.) NYMPHALIDAE

Adult

Upperside pale grey or lavender-brown with dark grayish brown markings. FW with 4 transverse wavy lines in the cell, a discal wavy band, a complete row of outer discal ocelli. HW with a faint loop in the cell and outer-discal row of 5 ocelli; some of the ocelli in both the wings orange-yellow on the inside. Underside paler with markings as above. Wingspan 55-65mm.

The least common pansy in India, foundat low elevations in regions of heavy rainfall. Frequently seen in paddy fields, seldom in jungles and never in dry areas. Visits flowers of various plants.

Larva

Velvety black with dull greenish neck. Body with a well defined orange-brown stripe above the legs and covered with branched spines and fine white hairs.

Feeds on Barleria, Hygrophila auriculata, etc.

Distribution

The entire oriental region except the driest parts.