What is the State Butterfly of Jammu and Kashmir? Know About It

Jammu and Kashmir is a beautiful place in India known for its mountains, rivers and wildlife. To highlight its natural beauty, the state declared the Himalayan Apollo as its State Butterfly. This beautiful lives in the cold mountain areas and is rare and special. It shows the rich nature of the region and reminds us to protect the environment and its living creatures.

An Overview of Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir is a union territory of India. It is part of the larger Kashmir region, which is claimed by India, Pakistan and China. The Line of Control separates it from areas controlled by Pakistan. J&K is located north of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, and west of Ladakh, which is also a union territory of India.

State Butterfly of Jammu and Kashmir

The Blue Pansy (Junonia orithya) is the state butterfly of Jammu and Kashmir. It is a beautiful butterfly with bright blue and black wings and eye-like spots. Found in open sunny places, it is known for its colorful look and quick flight. Choosing it as the state butterfly shows love for nature and wildlife.

Different Names in Different Places

The Blue Pansy is known by different names in various countries.

• In India, it is called the Blue Pansy.
• In Southern Africa, it is called the Eyed Pansy.
• In Australia, it is known as the Blue Argus.

However, these names can sometimes refer to other butterflies in different places.

Appearance of the Butterfly

The Blue Pansy is a colorful butterfly. The male has dark black and blue colors on its wings with eye-like spots. It has orange patches and a zigzag white line on the wings. The hindwings (back wings) are blue and black with a few round spots.

The female looks similar to the male but has bigger and clearer spots. It has a brownish color instead of bright blue on the back wings.

Life Cycle of the Blue Pansy

The butterfly goes through the usual life cycle like all butterflies:

• Larva (Caterpillar): The caterpillar is blackish-brown with orange at the ends. It has many tiny spines on its body.
• Pupa (Chrysalis): The pupa hangs from a surface and is a mix of purple and yellowish colors.
• Adult Butterfly: The adult Blue Pansy can be seen sitting on open ground and flies in a quick glide-and-flap style. It also protects its area from other butterflies.

What the Caterpillars Eat?

The caterpillars of the Blue Pansy feed on many plants. These plants belong to different plant families like:

• Acanthaceae
• Convolvulaceae
• Verbenaceae
• Violaceae

Some common plants include Viola odorata, Ipomoea batatas and Thunbergia alata (Black-eyed Susan vine).

In southern Africa, the caterpillars eat plants like Graderia subintegra, Cycnium adonese and Hygrophila species.

Where it Lives?

This butterfly lives in open sunny areas and is often seen sitting on bare ground. It can be spotted in gardens, parks and along roadsides.