Yellow pansy
A large brilliant blue spot lies hidden in the black hindwing area of the male and flashes into view only when the wings open.
| Where | Open scrub and grassland |
|---|---|
| Size | 40 to 60 mm wingspan |
| When | January to December |
The Yellow pansy is bright yellow above with a blackish brown costa and margin on the forewing and a brilliant blue spot on the hindwing; females are duller with heavier, more clearly defined dark markings.
It keeps to open scrub and grassland, flying fast and low with occasional glides, and is on the wing throughout the year. Caterpillars feed on low-growing Acanthaceae herbs.
Traits
Habitat
Grassland
Colour
Yellow, Black, Blue
Active
Day
To people
Does not sting or bite; a fast, low flier often seen basking on bare ground.
Activity through the year
Often confused with
Blue pansy male is velvety black with blue patches on both wings, quite unlike the bright yellow upperside of the male Yellow pansy.
Questions
Is the Yellow pansy dangerous to people?
Does not sting or bite; a fast, low flier often seen basking on bare ground.
When can you see the Yellow pansy?
The Yellow pansy can be seen from January to December, by day.
Plate retouched from a photo by Aravinth, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist Licence
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Butterflies and moths›Brush-footed butterflies›Junonia
Last updated 2026-09-27. Every entry is checked against published sources.