D. chrysippus is a medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan of about 7–8 cm (2.8–3.1 in).
The body is black with many white spots.
The wings are orange, the upperside brighter and richer than the underside.
The apical half of the forewing is black with a white band.
The hindwing has three black spots in the center.
The wings are bordered in black and outlined with semicircular white spots.

D. chrysippus is a polymorphic species, so the exact coloring and patterning vary within and between populations.

It is similar in appearance to the Indian fritillary (Argynnis hyperbius), which may coexist with it.
D. chrysippus is a medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan of about 7–8 cm (2.8–3.1 in). The body is black with many white spots. The wings are orange, the upperside brighter and richer than the underside. The apical half of the forewing is black with a white band. The hindwing has three black spots in the center. The wings are bordered in black and outlined with semicircular white spots.
D. chrysippus is a polymorphic species, so the exact coloring and patterning vary within and between populations.
It is similar in appearance to the Indian fritillary (Argynnis hyperbius), which may coexist with it.
Danaus chrysippus