Intraspecific variations in wing venation pattern of Danaus chrysippus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae) from Mohali, Punjab, India

Abstract

The wing venation of Danaus chrysippus (Linnaeus, 1758) was assessed and vein atrophy as well as the presence of spurs at the middle discocellular of both forewings and hindwings were observed. This is perhaps the first evidence of intraspecific variations in the wing venation of this species. The forewing spurs varied in number and positioning on the middle discocellular. In the hindwings, variation occurred with respect to the presence or absence of a spur, as well as a protuberance at the base of the third anal vein (3A). These findings enhance the understanding of morphological diversity within D. chrysippus, and also underscore the potential significance of intraspecific venational variation in refining the taxonomy of this butterfly.