Insect · GBIF taxon 7642610
Plain Tiger Butterfly
Danaus chrysippusAlso known as African Queen, African Monarch, Common Tiger
The Plain Tiger Butterfly has tawny-orange wings bordered in black, with white-spotted black tips on the forewings. Its caterpillars feed on milkweed relatives and retain defensive cardenolides, supporting the adult's conspicuous warning pattern.
Milkweed ButterflyWarning ColorationWide-ranging Migrant
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Adults drink nectar from many flowers, while caterpillars consume milkweed and related host plants
Predators
- Crab spiders
- Praying mantises
- Parasitoid wasps
ThreatsPesticide use, removal of larval host plants, drought, mowing, and loss of open flower-rich habitat
HabitatsSavanna, dry grassland, scrub, farmland, gardens, open woodland, dunes, and tropical forest edges
Life spanThe full life cycle lasts several weeks to months, with adults often living for a few weeks
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyNymphalidae
- SpeciesDanaus chrysippus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Avoid handling adults or caterpillars, and do not remove their milkweed host plants.
Responsible observation
- Pattern: Note orange wings, a black border, and white-spotted black forewing tips.
- Host: Search milkweed relatives for striped caterpillars without touching the plant.
- Observe: Stand still near flowers rather than chasing, netting, or holding adults.
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