Description
Wingspan 75-85 mm. The sexes are similar. The wings are tawny with heavy black markings along the veins; this butterfly is called the Striped Tiger in India. The scent patch on the male is oval and is located on the second vein of the hind wing.

The upper side of the apex of the forewing is black. Below the apex, a row of elongated white marks forms a loose band across the wing. The black marginal band on the underside of the hind wing has two rows of small white spots. On the upper side, the corresponding inner row is often incomplete.

Similar species
Female Ceylon Palmfly. The wing margins are scalloped, not entire. It lacks the black wing venation. The white spots on the marginal band of the hind wing are quite large and occur only on the upper side.

Status, distribution and habitat
A common, widely distributed species that occurs below 3000 feet elevation. However, unlike the Plain Tiger, it prefers wetter areas and is rare in the driest parts of the island. It becomes progressively scarce towards the north of the island. An inhabitant of lightly wooded areas, home gardens, hedge rows, waste places and cultivated lands. 

Habits
Its general behavior is similar to that of other Danaids. It is entirely disinterested in mud-sipping. More information about Danaids

Early stages
The larvae feed on Ceropegia buchanani and Tylophora indica.

Larva of the Common Tiger

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Danaidae | Satyridae | Amathusiidae | Nymphalidae | Acraeidea | Libytheidae | Riodinidae | Lycaenidae | Pieridae | Papilionidae | Hesperidae