Tigers facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Danaus |
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| Plain Tiger (Danaus chrysippus) | |
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Danaus
(Kluk, 1780)
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Danaus is a group of beautiful butterflies. They belong to a larger group called a genus. These butterflies are part of the family Nymphalidae, which is a very large group of butterflies. You might know some of them by their common names, like Tigers or Monarchs. These butterflies are famous for their bright colors and sometimes for their long journeys.
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What is a Danaus Butterfly?
Butterflies in the Danaus genus are known for their striking patterns. Many of them have orange, black, and white colors. These colors often warn predators that the butterflies might not taste good. This is a clever way for them to stay safe in nature.
Where Do They Live?
Danaus butterflies live in many parts of the world. You can find them in places like North and South America, Africa, Asia, and Australia. They often live in warm areas where their favorite plants grow.
What Do They Eat?
Most Danaus caterpillars eat plants from the milkweed family. These plants contain special chemicals. When the caterpillars eat them, the chemicals stay in their bodies. This makes the butterflies taste bad to birds and other animals that might try to eat them. It's like a natural defense system!
Famous Danaus Species
There are many different types of Danaus butterflies. Each one is a unique species. Here are some of the most well-known species in this genus:
- Danaus affinis (Malay Tiger): This butterfly was first described by Fabricius in 1775. It is often found in Southeast Asia and Australia.
- Danaus chrysippus (Plain Tiger): Linnaeus described this species in 1758. It is very common in Africa and Asia.
- Danaus cleophile (Jamaican Monarch): Godart named this butterfly in 1819. It lives only on the island of Jamaica.
- Danaus eresimus (Soldier): Cramer described this species in 1777. It is found in the Americas.
- Danaus erippus (Southern Monarch): Cramer also described this one in 1775. It is the South American cousin of the famous Monarch butterfly.
- Danaus genutia (Common Tiger): Cramer named this species in 1779. It is widespread across Asia.
- Danaus gilippus (Queen): Cramer described the Queen butterfly in 1775. It is found in North and South America.
- Danaus ismare (Ismare Tiger): Cramer named this species in 1780. It lives in parts of Southeast Asia.
- Danaus melanippus (White Tiger): Cramer described this butterfly in 1777. It is found in Southeast Asia and Australia.
- Danaus plexippus (Monarch): This is perhaps the most famous Danaus species. Linnaeus described it in 1758. Monarchs are known for their amazing long-distance migrations across North America.
Life Cycle of Danaus Butterflies
Like all butterflies, Danaus butterflies go through a complete metamorphosis. This means they change a lot during their lives.
From Egg to Caterpillar
The life cycle starts when a female butterfly lays tiny eggs. She usually lays them on milkweed plants. After a few days, a small caterpillar hatches from each egg. The caterpillar's main job is to eat and grow. It sheds its skin several times as it gets bigger.
The Pupa Stage
Once the caterpillar is fully grown, it forms a pupa. For Monarchs, this pupa is a beautiful green color with gold spots. Inside the pupa, amazing changes happen. The caterpillar's body transforms into a butterfly.
Emergence of the Butterfly
Finally, the adult butterfly emerges from the pupa. It has wings and can fly. The adult butterfly's job is to find food, mate, and lay eggs to start the cycle again.
Images for kids
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Plain tiger (Danaus chrysippus) caterpillar on a milkweed (Calotropis) species in Hyderabad, India
_caterpillar_on_a_Calotropis_(Milkweed)_species_in_Hyderabad,_AP_W_IMG_7968.jpg)
See also
In Spanish: Tigre para niños
