Danaus chrysippus, commonly known as the plain tiger or African monarch, is a widespread and well-known butterfly species belonging to the family Nymphalidae and subfamily Danainae. This butterfly is distributed across Africa and Asia, thriving in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, gardens, and open woodlands.
The plain tiger is admired for its striking appearance. Its wings are predominantly orange with black margins and adorned with white spots along the edges. The forewings feature black and white patterns, while the hindwings are orange with a subtle black border. This bold coloration serves as a warning to predators, signaling the butterfly's toxicity—a defense derived from feeding on milkweed (Asclepias and Calotropis) and related plants during its larval stage. Milkweed contains toxic compounds called cardenolides, which are retained by the caterpillar and remain in the adult butterfly, making it distasteful to predators.
The caterpillars are striking in their own right, with yellow, white, and black stripes. Adults are strong fliers and frequently seen basking in the sun or feeding on nectar. As a close relative of the well-known Danaus plexippus (monarch butterfly), the plain tiger plays a significant ecological role as a pollinator and is an excellent example of warning coloration, and adaptation in nature.
Difficulty - Easy in all stages (1/10)
Host plants - Milkweeds (Asclepias)
Conditions - Room temperature or warmer.
Lifecycle - Continually brooded; grows quickly.
