Meadow Argus, upper surface,
Photos: Euan Moore
Meadow Argus, lower surface.
Photos: Euan Moore
Scientific Name: Junonia villida subsp. calybe
Other Common Names: None
Family of Butterflies: Nymphalidae (Browns and Nymphs)
Wingspan: 40mm male, 43mm female.
Museum specimens.
Photo: Tony Morton.
Note 1: Both photos are of the upper side of individuals. Males and females are similar.
Note 2: The plant name on the bottom right refers to the plants upon which the butterfly larvae
(caterpillars) feed.
Local observations: This is a common species with numerous local records on both iNaturalist and Atlas of Living Australia.
| Tony Morton’s records of Meadow Argus from the local area (between 2000 to 2013) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date | Location | Notes |
| 10-Jan-2013 | Vaughan garden | a few fresh males |
| 5-Apr-2012 | Vaughan garden | |
| 10-Mar-2012 | Agitation Hill, C’maine | on tarmac, Anglican Church, fresh |
| 5-Sep-2005 | Vaughan walk | fresh |
| 22-Apr-2000 | Vaughan | |
| 29-Feb-2000 | Vaughan walk | |
Distribution outside our region: This is a widespread species found across most of Victoria but is less common in the drier areas of the north west of the state. It is found in all Australian states, Atlas of Living Australia, with most records being in the east and across the northern tropics. Outside Australia there are records from Indonesia, New Zealand and the south-west Pacific. iNaturalist
Larval Host Plants: Plants from a range of families including Acanthaceae, Convolvulaceae, Asteraceae, and others. Introduced Plantains (ribworts) are commonly used as host plants.
Larval association with ants: None.
Adult Flight Times in Victoria: Adults have been recorded throughout most of the year in Victoria (August to May), but most commonly observed between December to March. Several generations completed each year.
Conservation Status:
- The Action plan for Australian Butterflies: No Conservation Significance
- Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 – Threatened List: Not Listed
Other Notes: Adults fly fast and close to the ground, gliding between fast wing beats. Often seen either landing on ground, feeding on flowers or basking in the sun. Abundant in urban areas. Likely to be moderately common in Mount Alexander Shire.
References and further reading:
Atlas of Living Australia – Junonia villida, Meadow Argus.
iNaturalist – Junonia villida, Meadow Argus.
Braby, Michael F., Second edition 2016. The Complete Field Guide to Butterflies of Australia. CSIRO Publishing.
Field, Ross P., 2013. Butterflies: Identification and Life History. Museum Victoria.