Hypolimnas misippus
Scientific NameHypolimnas misippus
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
HabitatFound in a variety of open habitats including grasslands, savannas, agricultural fields, gardens, and forest edges.
Conservation StatusLeast Concern (LC)
Description
The female Diadem Butterfly, also widely known as the Danaid Eggfly, is a classic example of Batesian mimicry. It closely resembles the unpalatable Plain Tiger butterfly (Danaus chrysippus) to deter predators. The female typically displays an orange-brown ground colour with a black apex on the forewings and white spots, mimicking the toxic model. This species exhibits strong sexual dimorphism, with the male being predominantly black with large white patches on both forewings and hindwings.
