Danaus gilippus berenice / Queen (Cramer 1775)
DANAIDAE Colour Plates
©Justin Uzzell
Collection: Joanne Ross
Plate 1 #3 p. 40
Pupating stages
©Joanne Ross
The Queen caterpillar has 3 sets of antennas called tubercles
The sap of the Host Plants that is consumed by the larvae, contains poisonous glycosides, this will make the butterfly later on distasteful to birds.
The difference between
Danaus eresimus tethys / Soldier on the left and
Danaus gilippus bernice / Queen on the right
The spot on the lower hind wing is a little pouch called "androconial pouches" made of 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.
