Danaus petilia

Danaus petilia, the lesser wanderer, is a species of butterfly in the nymphalid Danainae subfamily. It is a migratory species which is found in Australia[1] and in tropical countries.[2] Previously considered a subspecies of Danaus chrysippus,[3] this species came about through allopatric speciation. The deep sea barrier called Lydekker's Line, located by the Molluccas and the Sahul Shelf, was what separated Danaus petilia from Danaus chrysippus cratippus.[3] Its caterpillars feed on native and introduced cotton bush species.[2]

Lesser wanderer
Female feeding
Male
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Nymphalidae
Genus: Danaus
Species:
D. petilia
Binomial name
Danaus petilia
(Stoll, 1790)

A common butterfly with nomadic populations, particularly in central Australia where many native host plants die of during dry periods, and in south eastern Australia where it is too cold for them in winter. Butterflies prefer an open country or farmland habitat. Flight is generally slow and close to the ground.

Host plants

Host plants include of a range of native and introduced plants that have a milky sap like Gomphocarpus, Cynanchum, Secamone, Marsdenia, Ascelpias, Calotropis, Stapelia and many more.

References
  1. Danaus petilia, Tree of Life Project
  2. "Danaus petilia : Lesser Wanderer - Atlas of Living Australia". Atlas of Living Australia. Retrieved 2016-03-17.
  3. Lushai, G., Zalucki, M. P., Smith, D. A. S., Goulson, D. & Daniels, G. (2005). "The lesser wanderer butterfly, Danaus petilia (Stoll 1790) stat. rev. (Lepidoptera: Danainae), reinstated as a species" (PDF). Australian Journal of Entomology. 44 (1): 6–14. doi:10.1111/j.1440-6055.2005.00423.x. ISSN 1326-6756.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)

[1]

Further reading
  • Ackery, P. R. & Vane-Wright, R. I. (1984). Milkweed butterflies. London: British Museum (Natural History).


  1. "Danaus petilia". lepidoptera.butterflyhouse.com.au. Retrieved 2022-02-21.
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