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Meadow Argus (Junonia villida)

Meadow Argus

Appearance: Unmistakable. Upperside dark brown with large eyespots. Underside grey-brown marbled with large eyespot on the fore wing.
Wingspan: 4.0–4.5 cm
Season: All around the year in several generations.
Range: All over Australia.
Habitat: Various habitats, in particular woodland and grassland. Also in suburban areas.
Photo: Warrumbungle NP, NSW.

Notes

The Meadow Argus is one of our most common and widespread butterflies. It can be found all across Australia, including Tasmania as well as the arid regions of central Australia. The butterflies are often found resting on the ground where they are easily overlooked. Once disturbed, they will fly up rapidly and then rest again after a short flight. Males are often territorial and will chase after any intruder. The Meadow Argus can be found in a large variety of habitats. The butterflies are particularly common in open woodland and grassland, but they are also regularly seen in suburban Sydney.

Additional Photos

Meadow Argus
The upperside is dark brown with several large eyespots. (Ingleburn, NSW, 24 / 04 / 2010)
Meadow Argus
The underside is mainly grey-brown marbled and highly variable. (Ingleburn, NSW, 13 / 03 / 2010)
Meadow Argus
When threatened, the Meadow Argus exposes a large eyespot on the fore wing to scare away predators. (Warrumbungle NP, NSW)
Meadow Argus
The butterflies occasionally feed from flowers. (Sydney, NSW, 07 / 03 / 2010)
Meadow Argus
The Meadow Argus is often found resting on the ground. (Glenbrook, NSW, 02 / 04 / 2010)
Meadow Argus
Mating Pair. (Ingleburn, NSW, 24 / 04 / 2010)
Meadow Argus
The caterpillar is black or dark brown with conspicuous, branched spikes. (Ingleburn, NSW, 13 / 03 / 2010)