African Monarch

Afrikaans name: Melkbosskoenlapper

The common African Monarch butterfly

Photo © Steven Herbert

The African Monarch is one of the most well-known species of butterflies in the world. Besides occurring across Africa it is found in southern Europe and most of southern Asia.

It many publications it is called the Plain Tiger.

The African Monarch can have a wingspan of 7 cm or more. Males are slightly smaller than females, but they are more brightly coloured.

This butterfly is distasteful and is not predated on heavily. Because of this it flies more directly than other species who have to fly erratically to avoid predators.

Females lay one egg per leaf on a suitable food plant. This ensure that the baby caterpillars do not have to compete for food.

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References and further reading

Butterflies of Southern Africa - Author: Hugo Germishuys - Year Published: 1982 - Page: 44

Butterflies of Southern Africa - A field guide - Author: Mark Williams - Year Published: 1994 - Page: 149

Butterflies of the Kruger National Park - Author: Johan Kloppers and the late Dr. G. Van Son - Year Published: 1978 - Page: 57

Butterflies of the Western Cape - Author: A.J.M. Claassens - Year Published: 2005 - Page: 20

Familiar South African Butterflies - Author: Clive Quickelberge - Year Published: 1986 - Page: 18

Field Guide to Butterflies of South Africa - Author: Steve Woodhall - Year Published: 2005 - Page: 36

Gardening for Butterflies - Author: Steve Woodhall & Lindsay Gray - Year Published: 2015 - Page: 30

Ivor Migdoll's Field Guide to the Butterflies of Southern Africa - Author: Ivor Migdoll - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 145

Pocket Guide - Insects of South Africa - Author: Mike Picker & Charles Griffiths - Year Published: 2015 - Page: 124

Reader's Digest Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of Southern Africa - 2nd edi - Author: Editor - Alan Duggan - Year Published: 1991 - Page: 398

Sasol First Field Guide to Butterflies & Moths of Southern Africa - Author: Simon van Noort - Year Published: - Page: 17

Self-guided Trails in Durban - Author: Durban Corporation - Year Published: - Page: 122

What's That Butterfly - Author: Steve Woodhall - Year Published: 2008 - Page: 224

What's That Butterfly - Author: Steve Woodhall - Year Published: 2008 - Page: 493

Wildlife of Southern Africa - Author: Martin Withers and David Hosking - Year Published: 2011 - Page: 246