Plain Tiger
Image: कृष्ण कान्त शर्मा (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common NamePlain Tiger
Scientific NameDanaus chrysippus
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyDanainae
Wingspan (mm)75
Primary Colorsorange, black, white
HabitatOpen country, grasslands, scrub, gardens, agricultural areas
Geographic RangeAfrica, Asia (Middle East, Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia), Australia
Host PlantsCalotropis gigantea, Asclepias curassavica, Cynanchum acutum
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, multiple broods
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants, typically milkweeds. Larvae are striped black, white, and yellow, sequestering toxins from their food. Pupae are green with golden spots, hanging upside down.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its orange ground color with bold black veins and black margins featuring white spots. The black apex of the forewing with a white band is a key feature. It is a model in Batesian and Müllerian mimicry complexes.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with bright orange wings, prominent black veins, and black margins adorned with white spots. The forewing tips are black with a distinct band of white spots.
