# Plain tiger (Danaus chrysippus) > A widespread, orange-and-black milkweed butterfly common across Africa, Asia and Australia, toxic to predators thanks to milkweed chemicals. Source: https://insectscanner.com/species/plain-tiger/ (updated 2026-10-10) ## Is it dangerous? **Non-toxic to touch.** Adults do not sting or bite and are not dangerous. Both larvae and adults contain cardiac glycosides from milkweed host plants that make them distasteful to predators; handling them is safe, but wash your hands afterwards and never eat them. **Pets:** Generally not a threat; however, dogs or cats that eat large numbers of caterpillars or pupae that contain milkweed toxins could show vomiting or digestive upset. Keep pets from intentionally eating large quantities of them. ## Quick facts - Scientific name: Danaus chrysippus - Also called: African monarch, African queen - Order: Lepidoptera (Moths and butterflies) - Family: Nymphalidae (Brush-footed butterflies) - Size: 6-8 cm wingspan - Colours: Orange, Black, White, Yellow - Habitat: Open areas, savanna, farmland margins, roadsides, gardens and disturbed sites where host plants (milkweeds) grow. - Range: Widespread across sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa, southern Europe (occasionally), large parts of South and Southeast Asia, and northern Australia. - Active: Year-round in tropical regions; most active during warm daylight hours. Peak season depends on local climate. - Lifespan: Adults typically live a few weeks; individuals that migrate or enter diapause may live longer. - Effect on plants: Specialist herbivore - Pest: no ## Overview Danaus chrysippus is a widespread milkweed-feeding butterfly found across Africa, much of Asia and parts of Australia. Adults have bright orange wings with black borders and white spots; larvae feed on milkweed-family plants and sequester cardiac glycosides (cardenolides) that make them distasteful to predators. The species is adaptable and occurs in open habitats, gardens and disturbed areas. Several regional subspecies and colour forms exist, and it is closely related to other Danaus 'tiger' butterflies such as the monarch. ## How to identify it Adults have broad orange wings with a thick black border on the fore- and hindwings and white spots on the black margins. The forewing typically shows a black discal spot (variable among forms). Wingspan is moderate. The caterpillar is smooth (not hairy), banded with black, yellow and white, and has three pairs of long black fleshy filaments along its back. The chrysalis is smooth and typically pale green to metallic gold markings, similar to other Danaus species. - Bright orange wings with thick black margins and white spots on the border. - Forewing often shows a black discal spot (variation exists between regional forms). - Caterpillars have distinctive black, yellow and white banding with three pairs of black fleshy filaments. - Wingspan about 6-8 cm; no heavy black veining like the monarch (Danaus plexippus). ## Lookalikes - **Monarch** (Danaus plexippus): Monarch has stronger black veins across the orange wings and a different pattern of white spotting on the margin; monarchs also have a more northern-temperate distribution and characteristic migration in North America. - **Danaid eggfly (female)** (Hypolimnas misippus): Females closely mimic the plain tiger but belong to an unrelated, palatable butterfly group; they lack the plain tiger's small black spots in the middle of the hindwing and instead have a single black spot on the hindwing's leading edge. ## Life cycle - **Egg:** Females lay single eggs on the underside of milkweed-family leaves; eggs hatch in a few days depending on temperature. - **Larva (caterpillar):** Striped black, yellow and white caterpillars feed on milkweeds and accumulate cardiac glycosides; they go through several instars over 2-4 weeks in warm conditions. - **Pupa (chrysalis):** The chrysalis is smooth and typically green with metallic spots; pupation lasts about 7-14 days depending on temperature. - **Adult (butterfly):** Adults feed on nectar from many flowering plants, mate and females seek milkweeds to lay eggs. Adult lifespan is usually a few weeks. ## Diet and predators - Young eat: Leaves of milkweed-family plants (Asclepiadoideae/Apocynaceae), such as Gomphocarpus, Calotropis and Cynanchum. - Adults eat: Nectar from a wide variety of flowering plants; also visit puddles and damp patches for salts (mud-puddling). - Predators of the young: Birds, wasps and predatory insects; many predators avoid them due to sequestered toxins. - Predators of adults: Birds and lizards may attempt to eat them but often learn to avoid them; some specialist predators and parasites can overcome their defenses. ## Effect on plants and gardens Larvae feed on plants in the milkweed group (Asclepiadoideae/Apocynaceae): species of Gomphocarpus, Calotropis, Cynanchum and other milkweeds. Feeding rarely causes serious damage to garden plants unless caterpillars are extremely abundant. ## Where and when to find it Adults on nectar flowers in open sunny areas; eggs and caterpillars on milkweed-family host plants (undersides of leaves); chrysalises attached to stems or sheltered undersides. - Best time: Best seen in warm months; year-round in the tropics. Active during daylight, especially mid-morning to late afternoon. - Tips: Use a long lens to photograph without disturbing. Check milkweed plants carefully for single eggs and striped caterpillars. Wear gloves if you plan to handle caterpillars frequently and wash hands afterwards. ## Fun facts - Plain tiger caterpillars store toxins from milkweed that make the butterflies distasteful to predators and advertise that with bright colours. - This species is extremely adaptable and shows a number of regional colour forms and subspecies across its wide range. - Despite similar appearance, the plain tiger is not the same as the North American monarch; they are close relatives with different wing-pattern details. ## Frequently asked questions ### Are plain tiger butterflies poisonous to humans? They are not poisonous in the sense of causing poisoning from casual contact. Adults and caterpillars contain plant-derived cardiac glycosides that make them bitter; avoid eating them and wash hands after handling caterpillars. ### Do plain tigers sting or bite? No. Adults do not sting or bite, and the caterpillars are smooth, not hairy. Handle gently if needed and wash hands afterwards. ### Why is a plain tiger in my garden? They are attracted to nectar flowers and will lay eggs if milkweed-family plants are present. Gardens with milkweeds are ideal breeding sites. ### How can I encourage plain tiger butterflies? Plant native milkweed or other Asclepiadoideae species for caterpillars and a variety of nectar plants for adults, provide sunny spots and shelter from strong winds. ### Are plain tigers pests? No. They are not agricultural pests and are usually welcome as pollinators and colourful garden insects. Caterpillar feeding rarely causes serious plant damage. --- More about this species: [iNaturalist](https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/67835), [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danaus_chrysippus). Identify insects and spiders from a photo with the Insect Scanner iPhone app: https://apps.apple.com/app/id1543946563?pt=126685406&ct=web-markdown&mt=8 Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.