White Tiger Butterfly
Common NameWhite Tiger Butterfly
Scientific NameDanaus melanippus
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyDanainae
Wingspan (mm)75
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorswhite, black, orange
HabitatOpen country, forest edges, gardens, coastal areas
Geographic RangeSoutheast Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, and parts of Australia.
Host PlantsCynanchum, Asclepias, Hoya, Parsonsia
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on the underside of host plant leaves. The larvae are typically striped with black and yellow bands, and the pupa is a smooth, green chrysalis.
Identification TipsLook for the distinct combination of white hindwings with bold black veins, and black forewings marked with bright orange patches and a series of white spots along the outer margins.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly characterized by its striking pattern of black-veined white hindwings and black forewings with prominent orange patches and white marginal spots.
