Monarch Butterfly
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, Pacific Islands
Host PlantsAsclepias spp. (milkweed)
Flight PeriodMultiple broods from spring to fall (North America), year-round in tropical regions
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusendangered
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis. Eggs are laid on milkweed, larvae are striped yellow, black, and white. Pupates into a jade-green chrysalis with a gold band before emerging as an adult.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its large size, bright orange and black wing pattern with white spots. Males have a small black scent patch (androconium) on the hindwings, which females lack.
Description
A large, iconic butterfly with vibrant orange wings featuring prominent black veins and a thick black border adorned with two rows of small white spots.
