Swamp Tiger Butterfly
Common NameSwamp Tiger Butterfly
Scientific NameDanaus affinis
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyDanainae
Wingspan (mm)70
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsblack, white, orange
HabitatCoastal areas, mangroves, swamps, wet forests, open woodlands
Geographic RangeSoutheast Asia, Indonesia, New Guinea, Australia
Host PlantsCynanchum, Tylophora, Parsonsia, Hoya
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are typically striped, and pupae are often green with metallic spots, characteristic of the milkweed butterfly subfamily.
Identification TipsKey features include the dark wings with distinct, large white patches and a series of white submarginal spots. The orange stripe on the abdomen is also a helpful identifier.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with dark brown to black wings, featuring prominent white patches on both forewings and hindwings, and a row of white spots along the wing margins. The abdomen often has an orange stripe.
