SOUTH AUSTRALIAN BUTTERFLIES

Danaus plexippus plexippus (Linnaeus)   (Monarch or Wanderer)

First instar larva left, second instar larva right, head on the left

Third instar larva left, fourth instar larva right, head on the left

Fifth instar, head on the left

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Dark final instar larvae occurring in winter

Fifth instar larvae.  The larva on top has just moulted from the fourth instar, and has an unmarked yellow
head and crumpled tentacular filaments.  The head gradually acquires black pigmentation,
and the larva above has a fully pigmented head

Photography by R. Grund