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The Wildebeest's guide to South Africa

Brown Pansy butterfly

Afrikaans name: Natal-gesiggie

Brown Pansy butterfly at Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve

Photo © Steven Herbert

Junonia natalica natalica

The Brown Pansy butterfly is a large and attractive butterfly with male and female being similar in colouration. Females are slightly larger and may have a wingspan of up to 5.5 cm.

Brown Pansies are often seen settled on low vegetation or on the ground. Males tend to fly along open areas such as pathways and clearings to patrol their territory. When settled they are easily disturbed and fly as you approach.

The Brown Pansy is found along the eastern regions of South Africa from KwaZulu-Natal to Kruger National Park. It is normally found along forest edges but may also occurs in parks and gardens. Strangely they are attracted to the flowers of Lantana which is an introduced plant.

This butterfly used to be known as the Brown Commodore. It also goes under the names of Natal Commodore and Natal Pansy.

References and further reading

Ivor Migdolls Field Guide to the Butterflies of Southern Africa - Author: Ivor Migdoll - Published: 1987 - Page: 170

Whats That Butterfly - Author: Steve Woodhall - Published: 2008 - Page: 885

Whats That Butterfly - Author: Steve Woodhall - Published: 2008 - Page: 889

Field Guide to Butterflies of South Africa - 2nd edition - Author: Steve Woodhall - Published: 2020 - Page: 142

Field Guide to Butterflies of South Africa - 1st edition - Author: Steve Woodhall - Published: 2005 - Page: 136

Butterflies of Southern Africa - A field guide - Author: Mark Williams - Published: 1994 - Page: 78

Butterflies of the Kruger National Park - Author: Johan Kloppers and the late Dr. G. Van Son - Published: 1978 - Page: 73

For more info: The Virtual Museum


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