Danaus

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Superfamily: Papilionoidea
Family: Nymphalidae
Subfamily: Danainae
Tribe: Danaini
Genus: Danaus

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Danaus: /ˈdænaʊs/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Mariposa reina (Danaus gilippus thersippus) by Juan Carlos Fonseca Mata. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Monarch Butterfly Danaus plexippus on Echinacea purpurea 2800px by Photo by and (c)2007 Derek Ramsey (Ram-Man). Used under a GFDL 1.2 license.

Danaus gilippus 001C Vert by Alejandro Santillana. Used under a CC0 license.

Danaus gilippus thersippus by Francisco Farriols Sarabia. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus plexippus) Piedra Herrada 2 by Charles J. Sharp
. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Danaus eresimus eresimus MHNT ventre by Didier Descouens. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Summary

Danaus is a genus of butterflies that includes well-known species such as the Monarch and the Queen, noted for their association with milkweeds and their migratory behavior. They are linked to Greek mythology through their name.

Habitat

Open areas with host plants, particularly milkweeds (Asclepias) and flowers.

Distribution

Worldwide with 12 species; specific to regions include D. plexippus (Monarch) widespread in North America, D. gilippus (Queen) in south Texas, parts of the southwest, and southern Florida, and D. eresimus (Soldier) in south Florida and occasionally stray to south Texas and the southwest.

Diet

Adults take nectar from flowers, larvae feed on milkweed (Asclepias).

Cultural Significance

The name 'Danaus' is derived from Greek mythology, linking the genus to regal connotations. The butterflies' various names such as Milkweeds, Tigers, Monarchs, Queens, and Soldiers reflect their prominent status.

Similar Taxa

D. plexippus (Monarch)
D. gilippus (Queen)
D. eresimus (Soldier)