Monarch butterfly
Image: Guadalupitzin (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common NameMonarch butterfly
Scientific NameDanaus plexippus
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyDanainae
Wingspan (mm)95
Primary Colorsorange, black, white
HabitatOpen fields, meadows, gardens, and forest edges, especially where milkweed is present.
Geographic RangeNorth and Central America, with migratory populations overwintering in Mexico and California. Also found in parts of South America, Australia, and New Zealand.
Host Plantsmilkweed
Flight PeriodVaries by region; generally spring to fall in temperate zones, year-round in tropical areas. Migratory populations are active during their long journeys.
Conservation Statusendangered
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on milkweed leaves, hatching into striped yellow, black, and white caterpillars. These caterpillars feed exclusively on milkweed before forming a jade green chrysalis with a metallic gold band, from which the adult butterfly emerges.
Identification TipsEasily recognized by its striking orange and black pattern with prominent black veins and white spots on the black wing margins. Males possess a small, raised black spot (androconium) on a hindwing vein, which is absent in females.
Description
A large, iconic butterfly with vibrant orange wings, distinct black veins, and a wide black border on the outer edges adorned with two rows of small white spots.
