Abstract
Danaus chrysippus is a polytypic tropical butterfly which is divided in Africa into five geographical races, each characterised by colour genes which are identifiable in the phenotype. The genetics of the races is known except for liboria which is described here for the first time. The origin of the races is assumed to be allopatric but expansion into East Africa since the Pleistocene has produced an extensive polymorphic hybrid zone. Regular scoring of phenotype frequencies at Dar es Salaam over two years suggests that replicated seasonal oscillations in gene frequency reflect migratory activity rather than natural selection in the two races (dorippus and liboria) studied. The hypothesis is supported by direct observations of north-south return migration within East Africa and numerous reports of migratory activity elsewhere. Migration is related to the cyclical north-south movement of the inter-tropical convergence zone and consequent changes in wind direction, rainfall and temperature.
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