IUCN RED LIST
Established in 1964, The IUCN Red List is a critical indicator of the health of the world’s biodiversity. Species are classified by the IUCN Red List into nine groups, through criteria such as rate of decline, population size and area of geographic distribution as:
- Extinct (EX) – This species is no longer extant
- Extinct in the wild (EW) – Survives only in captivity, or through cultivation often outside native range
- Critically endangered (CR) – In an extremely critical state
- Endangered (EN) – Very high risk of extinction in the wild
- Vulnerable (VU) – At high risk of unnatural (human-caused) extinction
- Near Threatened (NT) – Close to being endangered in the near future
- Least Concern (LC) – Widespread and abundant in the wild
- Data Deficient (DD) – Inadequate information to assess extinction risk
- Not Evaluated (NE) – Has not yet been assessed
The wings are pale greyish-brown with delicate wavy markings and prominent eyespots on both forewings and hindwings. The underside closely resembles dry leaves and bark, providing excellent camouflage when the wings are closed.
The Grey Pansy is a moderately active butterfly that frequently basks in sunlight with its wings fully spread. It flies close to the ground with a rapid but erratic flight pattern and often settles on low vegetation, rocks, or bare soil. Males are territorial and commonly patrol sunny clearings.
The Grey Pansy is primarily a resident species and does not undertake long-distance migrations. Seasonal local movements may occur in response to rainfall, vegetation growth, and food availability.
Females lay eggs singly on host plants belonging primarily to the family Acanthaceae, including species of Hygrophila, Ruellia, and related plants. Breeding occurs throughout the year in tropical regions, with increased activity during and after the monsoon season.
The subdued grey-brown coloration and leaf-like wing patterns provide excellent camouflage against tree bark, dry leaves, and soil. Prominent eyespots serve as a defensive mechanism by startling predators or diverting attacks away from vital body parts. Seasonal variations in wing coloration further enhance survival.
Adult butterflies feed on nectar from a variety of flowering plants and may also obtain nutrients from moist soil, decaying organic matter, and overripe fruits. Caterpillars feed mainly on leaves of plants belonging to the Acanthaceae family.
The Grey Pansy is commonly found in open forests, scrublands, grasslands, wetlands, agricultural fields, village outskirts, gardens, parks, and urban green spaces.
