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Plain tiger butterfly

Plain tiger butterfly

Danaus chrysippus

A species of Monarchs, Also known as African queen, Common tiger, Common milkweed butterfly, Lesser wanderer

Adorning a vibrant canvas of tawny wings edged with black, plain tiger butterfly is a striking flyer, easily distinguished by its patterned wings that host a series of white spots, which serve as a warning to predators of their unpalatable nature due to toxins absorbed during their larval stage. As caterpillars, they consume toxic milkweed which becomes a cornerstone for their defense mechanism, later evolving into less voracious adults that sip nectar from a variety of flowering plants.

General Info About Plain tiger butterfly
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Attributes of Plain tiger butterfly
Colors
Black
White
Orange
Habitat
The plain tiger prefers arid, open areas, and is found in a variety of habitats, including deserts, mountains, deciduous forests, and human-tended gardens in cities and parks. It is comfortable at altitudes ranging from sea level to around 1,500 m (4,900 ft).
Adult Food Sources
Lantana flower's nectar, asclepias flower's nectar, iberis flower's nectar, thistle flower's nectar, verbena flower's nectar
Larva Food Source
Milkweed, calotropis procera, asclepias curassavica, gomphocarpus physocarpus, cynanchum acutum
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Plain tiger butterfly is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
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Species Status of Plain tiger butterfly
Endangerment
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Distribution Area of Plain tiger butterfly
Asia, Australia, Africa
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Life Cycle of Plain tiger butterfly
Egg After being laid, the eggs of plain tiger butterfly provide a protective environment for the developing embryo. They are small, ovular, and often laid on host plants.
Larva Hatching from the eggs, plain tiger butterfly larvae or caterpillars have a worm-like appearance. They feed voraciously on foliage and grow rapidly, shedding their skins multiple times.
Pupal Post-larval development, plain tiger butterfly enters the pupal stage, forming a chrysalis. During this rest period, tissue reorganizations occur, setting the stage for the adult form.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult plain tiger butterfly showcases vibrant coloration and wings for dispersal. Now sexually mature, they focus on mating and laying eggs.
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Predators of Plain tiger butterfly Larvae
Bird species, ants, wasps, spiders
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Predators of Adult Plain tiger butterfly
Birds, praying mantises, spiders, lizards
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Scientific Classification of Plain tiger butterfly
Tips for Finding Plain tiger butterfly
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Youth Habitat of Plain tiger butterfly
Grasslands and Prairies, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Tropical Rainforests, Savannas
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Adult Habitat of Plain tiger butterfly
Grasslands and Prairies, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Tropical Rainforests, Savannas, Urban and Suburban Areas
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How Can You Attract Plain tiger butterfly
Adult plain tiger butterfly are attracted to various types of nectar plants such as milkweed, which provides both a food resource and a breeding habitat.
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Habitat Preferences of Plain tiger butterfly Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of plain tiger butterfly are typically deposited on the underside of milkweed leaves, a favored larval food source. Caterpillars of plain tiger butterfly can be found munching on these leaves, camouflaged among the foliage as they go through growth spurts. Pupae often secure themselves to nearby structures or plants in a sheltered location to undergo metamorphosis. For observing these stages in the wild, check milkweed plants thoroughly for eggs or caterpillars. Look for chrysalises in more hidden spots, possibly lower to the ground or on the undersides of leaves and branches. Adult plain tiger butterfly are commonly seen flitting about in open fields and gardens, sipping nectar from a variety of flowers.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Plain tiger butterfly
The best time to find plain tiger butterfly is during their active periods, typically during the daytime when temperatures are warm and on sunny days as plain tiger butterfly are cold-blooded and rely on external heat sources for energy.
Are Plain tiger butterfly harmful?
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Are Plain tiger butterfly harmful to humans?

Some larvae of tortoiseshell butterflies feed on milkweed, which is a poisonous plant containing cardiac glycosides, so the larvae are poisonous. Although poisonous, these butterflies will not directly affect humans if not swallowed. Touching the larvae of certain tortoiseshell butterflies may cause a rash.
Beneficial Effects of Plain tiger butterfly
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Prefer Plant Type
Apocynaceae
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Shape
Plain tiger butterfly is known for its pollinating behavior which involves feeding on pollen from a variety of flowering plants. It is particularly attracted to milkweed due to its color and shape, not only eating the pollen but also inadvertently transferring it from bloom to bloom while searching for nectar.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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