Monarch butterfly
Image: Dall-E (Public domain)
Common NameMonarch butterfly
Scientific NameDanaus plexippus
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyDanainae
Wingspan (mm)95
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsorange, black, white
HabitatMeadows, grasslands, open fields, gardens, forest edges
Geographic RangeNorth America, Central America, South America, Australia, New Zealand
Host Plantsmilkweed
Flight PeriodMay to October (in temperate regions), year-round (in tropical regions)
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusendangered
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on milkweed, hatching into striped caterpillars. Caterpillars pupate into a jade-green chrysalis with gold spots, from which the adult butterfly emerges.
Identification TipsRecognizable by its large size, bright orange and black coloration with thick black veins, and white spots along the black wing margins. Males have a distinct black spot on their hindwings.
Description
A large, iconic butterfly with vibrant orange wings, prominent black veins, and black borders adorned with small white spots.
