The sexes are dissimilar. Both sexes
have distinctly wavy wing margins.
Similar species
Male Great Eggfly - A much larger species and though the
upperside looks very similar, the underside is a pale
brown without any of the rich brown colour of the Danaid
Eggfly.
Plain Tiger - It has black markings at the center of the
hind wing and has smooth wing margins, not wavy.
It occurs below 2000 feet elevation and is commonest in
the dry and intermediate zones.It prefers open scrub
jungle and well-lit openings.The female is less abundant
than the male and is also frequently misidentified due
to its resemblance to the Plain Tiger.
The male has a strong flight and often settles on
vegetation close to the ground, on bushes or small
trees. From such vantage points, it gives chase to
passing butterflies to check out for females, often
returning to the same perch or one close by if courtship
fails. It remains in the same location for a few days
before moving on in search of more suitable locations.
It seems to take no notice of flowers.
The female behaviour is quite different. It wanders
about a great deal in search of its larval food plant or
mates, and is rarely seen in the company of the males,
except during courtship and mating. Although its flight
is slow and leisurely like that of the Plain Tiger, it
flies much lower to the ground. When alarmed, it reverts
to a typical fast nymphalid fight to escape its enemies.
The larvae feed on plants belonging to the family
Acanthaceae. Portulaca oleraceae and Asystasia gangetica
are the most widely used plants. . |
