Danaus plexippus
Scientific NameDanaus plexippus
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyDanainae
HabitatPrimarily found across North America, undertaking extensive migrations to warmer climates for winter. Also established in parts of South America, Australia, New Zealand, and various Atlantic and Pacific islands.
Host PlantsMilkweed (Asclepias spp.)
Conservation StatusEndangered (IUCN Red List)
Description
The Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is a widely recognized North American insect, celebrated for its vibrant orange and black wings and its remarkable annual migration. Belonging to the milkweed butterfly subfamily (Danainae) within the Nymphalidae family, its larvae feed exclusively on milkweed plants, which renders them unpalatable to many predators. Adult Monarchs are significant pollinators.
