Open AccessSEASONAL DISTRIBUTION AND BREEDING STATUS OF DANAUS PLEXIPPUS (L.) (LEPIDOPTERA: NYMPHALIDAE) IN AUSTRALIA
Author(s) -
SMITHERS C. N.
Publication year - 1977
Publication title -
australian journal of entomology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1440-6055
pISSN - 1326-6756
DOI - 10.1111/j.1440-6055.1977.tb00082.x
Subject(s) - danaus , overwintering , nymphalidae , lepidoptera genitalia , range (aeronautics) , ecology , biology , spring (device) , geography , mechanical engineering , materials science , engineering , composite material
On the basis of data collected by many observers dispersed through eastern Australia it is shown that Danaus plexippus (L.) is present throughout the year in three defined coastal areas whereas in other areas its presence is seasonal. Breeding takes place throughout the extensive summer range but only in a restricted northeastern coastal area does it continue through winter, while the other two overwintering areas, the Hunter Valley‐Sydney Basin and the Adelaide area, harbour non‐breeding populations. Repopulation of the full summer range is achieved by spring spread from the restricted winter areas.