Common tiger (Danaus genutia)

Common Tiger (Danaus genutia)

(also known as the Striped Tiger)

The Common Tiger is a striking butterfly belonging to the family Nymphalidae, subfamily Danainae (the milkweed butterflies), and closely related to the famous Monarch (Danaus plexippus). It is one of the most widespread and familiar butterflies in tropical and subtropical Asia, admired for its graceful flight and vivid coloration.

🦋 Identification

• Wingspan: 70–95 mm
• Coloration:
  • Upperside: Bright orange with bold black borders and white spots on the forewings
  • Veins on wings are strongly black-lined, giving the “striped” appearance that distinguishes it from the Monarch
  • Hindwings: Orange with black margins and a series of small white spots along the edge
  • Underside: Paler, with similar patterns
• Sexual dimorphism:
  • Males have a characteristic black scent patch (androconial spot) on the hindwings, used during courtship.

🌿 Habitat

• Occurs in a wide range of habitats, including:
  • Tropical and subtropical forests
  • Scrublands
  • Gardens
  • Urban parks
  • Roadsides and open fields

The Common Tiger is highly adaptable and often found near human settlements.

🌱 Food Plants

Larval host plants (all members of the milkweed family Apocynaceae and Asclepiadaceae):

• Calotropis spp. (e.g., giant milkweed Calotropis gigantea)
• Cynanchum spp.
• Tylophora spp.
• Asclepias spp. (milkweeds)

The caterpillars ingest toxic compounds (cardenolides) from these plants, making both caterpillars and adults distasteful to predators.

🔁 Life Cycle

• Eggs: Laid singly on the underside of host plant leaves
• Larvae: Striking caterpillars with black, white, and yellow stripes, and pairs of long black filaments
• Pupation: Forms a beautiful green chrysalis with golden spots
• Adults: Can breed year-round in tropical climates

🌍 Distribution

• Widely distributed across:
  • South Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh)
  • Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines)
  • Parts of southern China
  • Occasionally seen in northern Australia

🧬 Interesting Facts

• Mimicry:
  • The Common Tiger is part of a mimicry complex; many butterflies mimic its warning coloration to deter predators.
  • Its resemblance to the Monarch often confuses observers.
• Defense:
  • The toxins accumulated from host plants render it unpalatable to birds.
  • Its slow, gliding flight is typical of toxic butterflies that rely on warning coloration rather than speed to avoid predators.
• Cultural significance: Frequently appears in Asian folklore, art, and butterfly parks due to its beauty and approachability.

🛡️ Conservation Status

• IUCN Red List: Not threatened
• Populations are generally stable or increasing due to adaptability and wide host plant range.

The Common Tiger (Danaus genutia) is a spectacular and important butterfly species, playing a key role in tropical ecosystems as both pollinator and as part of complex mimicry and predator-prey interactions. Its bright, bold pattern makes it one of the most easily recognized butterflies in Asia.

Common blue (Polyommatus icarus)

Common tiger (Danaus genutia)

Orange Tip Butterfly (Anthocharis cardamines)

Comma butterfly (Polygonia c-album)

Old World Swallowtail (Papilio machaon)

Orange gull (Cepora judith)

Green hairstreak (Callophrys rubi)

Common copper (Lycaena phlaeas)

Mazarine Blue (Cyaniris semiargus)

Blue glassy tiger (Ideopsis similis)

Scarce Swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius)

Download full size image The Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae) is a charming butterfly species belonging to the family Nymphalidae, known for its striking appearance and widespread distribution across Europe and parts of Asia. Here's a detailed description: Physical Characteristics: The Small Tortoiseshell butterfly is of medium size, with a wingspan typically ranging from 45 to 55 millimeters. It displays a distinctive pattern of bright orange wings bordered by a black band with white spots. The forewings also feature a row of blue crescents near the outer edge, while the hindwings have a series of blue spots and a border of black and yellow. The undersides of the wings are mottled brown, providing effective camouflage when the butterfly is at rest. Habitat and Distribution: Small Tortoiseshell butterflies are commonly found in a variety of habitats, including meadows, grasslands, woodlands, gardens, and urban areas. They are distributed across much of Europe, including the British Isles, Scandinavia, and the Mediterranean region, as well as parts of Asia, such as Siberia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. They are particularly abundant in temperate regions with diverse plant species. Behavior and Life Cycle: Small Tortoiseshell butterflies are diurnal and active during the warmer months of the year, especially in spring and summer. They are strong and agile flyers, often seen fluttering among flowers in search of nectar and mates. The females lay eggs singly on the leaves of stinging nettles (Urtica spp.), which serve as the primary larval host plant. The caterpillars hatch from the eggs and feed on the leaves of the host plants before pupating and emerging as adult butterflies. Conservation Status: The Small Tortoiseshell is not considered globally threatened and is generally common and widespread throughout its range. However, like many butterfly species, it may face localized threats due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and degradation caused by agricultural intensification, urbanization, and climate change. Conservation efforts focused on preserving and restoring habitats, protecting larval host plants, and minimizing human disturbance are crucial for ensuring the long-term survival of this iconic butterfly species. Overall, the Small Tortoiseshell butterfly is a beautiful and ecologically important species, valued for its striking appearance, graceful flight, and role in pollination and ecosystem functioning. Its presence adds vibrancy and vitality to natural landscapes and serves as a symbol of the rich biodiversity of the regions where it is found.

Common blue (Polyommatus icarus)

Common blue (Polyommatus icarus)

False heath fritillary (Melitaea diamina)

Common blue (Polyommatus icarus)

Northern chequered skipper (Carterocephalus silvicola)

Mazarine Blue (Cyaniris semiargus)

Chestnut heath (Coenonympha glycerion)

Lesser marbled fritillary (Brenthis ino)

Common tiger (Danaus genutia)

European peacock (Inachis io)

Green hairstreak (Callophrys rubi)

Julia Heliconian (Dryas iulia)

Mazarine Blue (Cyaniris semiargus)

Common blue (Polyommatus icarus)

Common blue (Polyommatus icarus)

Scarce Swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius)

Old World Swallowtail (Papilio machaon)

Common blue (Polyommatus icarus)

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