Nymphalidae : Danainae
Danaus gilippus (Cramer, 1779)
Queen
Danaus gilippus (Cramer, 1779)
Queen
Description and Similar Species: Wingspan 68-94mm. Sexes similar but can be distinguished if the dark andoconial patch on the hindwing of the male can be seen (see photos below). These scent scales are used to disseminate pheromones during courtship and are not present on females. The two confusion species are Monarch Danaus plexippus and Soldier Danaus eresimus. The Monarch is larger, has a slower floppy flight and the hindwing underside is pale yellow with black veins with no white edging. D. eresimus is very similar to D. gilippus and is probably indistinguishable in flight but shows little or no white edging to the black veins on the hindwing underside. All three species can be found flying together. The Viceroy Limenitis archippus is a rare straggler to Cuba and can be distinguished by the black post-median line running across the hindwing.
Range: Found from Southern USA to Argentina and many of the Caribbean islands.
Status: Widespread and common on Cuba wherever flowers are abundant and the foodplant grows. Found in all habitats from forest and river valleys to open areas and coastal regions.
Nectar Plants: Asclepias, Chromolaena, Heliotropium, Tournefortia, Croton and Lantana.
Larval Foodplants: Asclepias curassavica and Calotropis procera (Asclepiadaceae).
Range: Found from Southern USA to Argentina and many of the Caribbean islands.
Status: Widespread and common on Cuba wherever flowers are abundant and the foodplant grows. Found in all habitats from forest and river valleys to open areas and coastal regions.
Nectar Plants: Asclepias, Chromolaena, Heliotropium, Tournefortia, Croton and Lantana.
Larval Foodplants: Asclepias curassavica and Calotropis procera (Asclepiadaceae).
Egg
Larva
Foodplant and habitat
