Monarch
Image: Peter van der Sluijs (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Common NameMonarch
Scientific NameDanaus plexippus
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyDanainae
Wingspan (mm)95
Primary Colorsorange, black, white
HabitatMeadows, grasslands, open fields, gardens, roadsides
Geographic RangeNorth America, Central America, northern South America, with introduced populations globally
Host Plantsmilkweed (Asclepias spp.)
Flight PeriodSpring to fall, with distinct migratory periods in late summer/fall
Conservation Statusendangered
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on milkweed plants, hatching into striped caterpillars that feed on the leaves. They then form a jade green chrysalis before emerging as adults.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its vibrant orange wings with prominent black veins and a black border dotted with white spots. Males have a small black scent patch on their hindwings.
Description
A large, iconic butterfly with bright orange wings outlined in black and marked with black veins and white spots along the margins.
