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Common Name : Lemon Pansy     -       Scientific Name : Junonia lemonias       -       Other Name : Pangiri Pansaya (S)
Eluwankulama
05/15/2005
Eluwankulama
06/11/2005
Eluwankulama
06/11/2005

This species belong to the Nymphalidae family. Other than in Sri Lanka it is found in India, China and Taiwan. Two subspecies of this butterfly have been recognized, namely J. I lemonias and the one, which is endemic to Sri Lanka J. i. vaisya.

The conservation status of this species is regarded as Least Concerned (National Red List 2012) and it is protected under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance as amended by Act No. 22 of 2009.

I have seen this species through out the island in the wet and dry lowlands in the north and the southern parts of the country. The highest altitude at which I have recorded this species is 600 meters at Illukkumbura. It is very common on the forest edges and open grass fields such as Nawadankulama and occurs even very close to the city of Colombo.

The host plants of this species include Katu Karandu Barleria prionitis  Neeramulliya Hygrophila schulli, which are commonly found at Wilpattu National Park.

This is a common species that is found in open areas throughout Wilpattu.