Meadow Argus Butterfly Junonia villida
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The Meadow Argus Butterfly, Junonia villida, is brown with eye spots on its wings and some orange and white markings. The Butterfly likes to rest in sun with its wings open, usually with only one or two of the eye-spots visible. When threatened, it spreads it wings fully to reveal all three sets of eyes. This flashingof eyes is to deter predators, such as birds. If further disturbed, the Butterfly flies and moves to another spot a few meters away.
They maintain territories, chasing away other flying insects.
They are abundant in September, and are found as black, spiny caterpillars in late summer. As caterpillars, they are slow moving and feed on herbs including Goodenia.
The Butterfly shown here was seen near the Cottage at |
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