Plain Tiger Butterfly
Common NamePlain Tiger Butterfly
Scientific NameDanaus chrysippus
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyDanainae
Wingspan (mm)75
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, black, white
HabitatOpen country, grasslands, scrubland, gardens, agricultural areas
Geographic RangeAfrica, Asia, Australia
Host PlantsCalotropis gigantea, Asclepias curassavica, Cynanchum acutum
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, seasonal in temperate zones
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesFemales lay single, pale yellow eggs on host plants. Larvae are striped black, white, and yellow with fleshy filaments, feeding on milkweeds. Pupae are typically green with golden spots.
Identification TipsKey features include the bright orange wings with black veins, the broad black borders with a distinct pattern of white spots, and the specific arrangement of black spots on the forewings and hindwings. It lacks the strong black bar on the hindwing found in some similar species.
Description
The Plain Tiger Butterfly features bright orange wings with prominent black veins, broad black borders adorned with white spots, and a few distinct black spots on both forewings and hindwings.
