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 | |
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| Male | |
Scientific 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
editHost 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
edit- ^ Danaus petilia, Tree of Life Project
- ^ a b "Danaus petilia : Lesser Wanderer - Atlas of Living Australia". Atlas of Living Australia. Retrieved 2016-03-17.
- ^ a b 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.
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Further reading
edit- Ackery, P. R. & Vane-Wright, R. I. (1984). Milkweed butterflies. London: British Museum (Natural History).
External links
edit
Media related to Danaus petilia at Wikimedia Commons
 | This Danainae article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
- ^ "Danaus petilia". lepidoptera.butterflyhouse.com.au. Retrieved 2022-02-21.