Danaus Eresimus Tethys

Danaus Gilippus Tethys (Cramer)
Soldier

Danaidae Colour Plates

Host Plants

Asclepias curassavica
Red Top, Hippa Cassini

but it has also been seen feeding on:

Calotropis procea
French Cotton,
Crown Flower

Sarcostemma clausum
White Twine Vine

©Justin Uzzell
Collector: Joanne Ross

Plate 1 p. 39

The juice the larvae consume in these plants
contains poisonous glycosides,
this will make the butterfly later on distasteful to birds.

©Joanne Ross

The difference between
Danaus Eresimus Tethys (Soldier) and Danaus Gilippus Bernice (Queen)

The spot on the lower hind wing is a little pouch called
“androconial pouches” made of the modified scales that contains
pheromones or male scent used during courtship.
The male will give off a dusting of pheromone onto the female
when the male hovers over her in courtship.

Nectar Plants

Ageratum conyzoides
Ageratum

Lantana aculeata
Lantana

Sarcostemma clausum
White Twine Vine

Habitat

This butterfly likes
sunny, dry places.