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| photo © peter stoeckl |
Danaus chrysippus (Linnaeus, 1758)
We did not see the Bengal Tiger, but we saw the Plain Tiger - a butterfly that is common in India.
The Plain Tiger, also named Lesser Wanderer Butterfly, is widespread in Africa and Asia. Its range extends from North Africa to Greece, China and Sulawesi. It is found throughout India, in every kind of country including the deserts, and up into the mountains to elevations of 3000m. The species is migratory.
The butterfly seems to be well protected against attacks by unpalatable alkaloids ingested during larval stage. So the butterfly is allowed to fly slowly and leisurely, generally close to the ground and in a straight line. An inexperienced predator may try an attack, but will learn soon enough to avoid this butterfly as the alkaloids in the butterfly's body cause heavy vomiting.
This particular species is believed to be one of the first butterflies to be depicted in art. A 3500 year old Egyptian fresco at Luxor shows the oldest illustrations of this species: Tumb of Nebamun.
Taken at the roadside near the tents of Pushkar, Rajasthan. 30 October, 2006.