Blue Tiger

Tirumala hamata belongs to Nymphalidae. Blue Tiger and Blue Wanderer are common names used in Australian accounts. [3][4]

James Cook University describes black upper wings with numerous translucent blue streaks and elongated spots; the underside is similar but paler. Larvae have a contrasting pattern of pale, orange and dark bands. [4]

Museums Victoria records an Australasian and Pacific distribution, with seasonal variation in northern and eastern Australian occurrence. Breeding habitats include monsoon vine thickets and littoral rainforest containing suitable larval hosts; moving adults may occur beyond these habitats. [3]

The Australian account describes eggs laid singly on fresh host growth and pupation beneath a leaf on an adjacent tree. Breeding is associated with wet-season conditions. [3]

Museums Victoria records Corky Milk Vine, Secamone elliptica, as larval food in Queensland. James Cook University places the host vines in the former Asclepiadaceae, now included in Apocynaceae. [3][4]

Northern Australian adults may aggregate in gullies during the dry season. Museums Victoria describes strong, direct flight and movements extending inland and southward beyond the principal breeding habitats. [3]

University of Newcastle researchers imaged Tirumala hamata wing scales with a scanning helium microscope. The technique revealed raised scales and fine surface folds without applying the conductive coating used in conventional electron microscopy. [7]

In northern Australia, dry-season aggregations and wet-season breeding are distinct phases. Museums Victoria associates breeding with monsoon vine thickets and littoral rainforest containing larval food plants; travelling adults occur beyond those habitats. [3]

The Australian taxonomic profile links Tirumala hamata with the historical name Danaus neomelissa. Blue Tiger and Blue Wanderer are vernacular names used in the cited Australian accounts. [6][4]

Elongated blue spots and streaks form a pale lattice across the dark wings. The underside repeats the arrangement in a paler pattern. [4]

Scott Schubr’s illustration emphasizes the pale blue lattice against dark wings. Bold outlines preserve the silhouette, while simplified colour fields distinguish the elongated markings.

Display framed specimens away from direct daylight, dampness and frequent temperature or humidity changes. Inspect the enclosure for moisture, pests or loose parts without touching the specimen. [1]