Danaidae

crows, tigers, tree nymphs

Danaidae is predominantly of tropical and sub tropical distribution with about 300 species. They are mostly insects of plains and are not found at high altitudes. They are the most abundant and conspicuous butterflies in warm low lying areas. Most are large brightly coloured butterflies usually brownish with black and white markings and white spotted body segments. Front legs are small degenerate without claws and are useless for walking.

Danaidae are protected by unpleasant, toxic body fluids sequestered from their larval food plants, principally Asclepladaceae and Apocynaceae. Hence, many species are mimicked by a vari3ety of non poisonous butterfly groups. Adults are difficult to injure and may rocover even after a severe pinch on the thorax. Hence they are conspicuously coloured and their flight is slow and awkward. Males possess secondary sexual characteristics in the form of sac like pouches on the hind wings, 2 movable hair pencils at the end of the body and brands in forewings.

Larvae are smooth with brilliant body stripes and 2 to 4 pairs of filamentous tubercles, giving them a very aggressive appearance. They mainly feed on plants of Asclepiadaceae, Apocynaceae, Urticaceae and Moraceae.

Pupae are suspended head downwards from a thin silk pad by tail – hooks alone and have a squat rounded shape without much projections. They are mostly green in colour with brilliant gold or silver spots. There are three genera, Danaus, Idea and Euploea.

Danaus, the tigers or milkweed butterflies have orange or whitish wings with dark veins and conspicuous sots. The most famous migrant and the cosmopolitan Danaus plexippus is the typical member of this genus. Idea, the Tree Nymphs, are large butterflies with tissue paper like wings and lazy sailing flight. Euploea, the Crows, true to their common name, are almost black and a few species have brilliant purple reflections. It is the largest genus in the family. All species visit flowers and most of them come to damp patches.