SEASONAL DISTRIBUTION AND BREEDING STATUS OF DANAUS PLEXIPPUS (L.) (LEPIDOPTERA: NYMPHALIDAE) IN AUSTRALIA

Abstract

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. Copyright © 1977, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved