Plain Tiger or African Monarch

Description:

Danaus chrysippus, also known as the Plain Tiger or African Monarch, is a common butterfly which is widespread in Asia and Africa. It belongs to the Danainae ("Milkweed butterflies") subfamily of the brush-footed butterfly family, Nymphalidae. It is a medium-sized, non-edible butterfly, which is mimicked by multiple species. Both Monarchs and Tigers belong to the genus Danaus. They are large butterflies, characterised by their orange wings, which have a black apex and white subapical spots. On the males there is a patch of raised androconial ( pheromone emitting ) scales on the hindwings. They have a slow undulating flight, with fairly shallow wing beats. In Africa the hindwings of Danaus chrysippus are usually predominantly white, a form known as alcippus. The type form chrysippus is scarce in West Africa but forms between 10-50% of most East African populations. In this area, I saw both species.

Notes:

This species occurs in many habitats ranging from deserts to savannah grasslands, dry deciduous woodlands, humid sub-tropical forests, gardens, parks and cities at altitudes between sea level and about 1500m.