Abstract
A 900 km2 coastal area in southern Spain was searched for both Danaus plexippus and D. chrysippus and their foodplants. A set of 63 single or mixed patches of Asclepias curassavica and Gomphocarpus fruticosus was detected and visited regularly from June 2008 to December 2009. Danaus plexippus was on the wing throughout our study period, but it was never detected in 21 patches while in 4 patches it was observed on more than 80% of our visits. Danaus chrysippus was on the wing only during summer and autumn of 2009 and it was never detected in 49 patches. The proportion of plant patches occupied by butterflies varies seasonally, increasing during summer and autumn. These results are discussed in relation to the origin, persistence and conservation of both species in Europe.
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