Monarch Butterfly
Image: Swethasakthivel (CC0)
Common NameMonarch Butterfly
Scientific NameDanaus plexippus
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyDanainae
Wingspan (mm)95
Primary Colorsorange, black, white
HabitatMeadows, grasslands, open fields, gardens, forest edges
Geographic RangeNorth America, Central America, South America, Australia, New Zealand, and some Pacific Islands
Host Plantsmilkweed
Flight PeriodMarch to November (in temperate regions)
Conservation Statusendangered
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on milkweed plants, larvae (caterpillars) feed exclusively on milkweed, pupate into a jade-green chrysalis with gold spots, and emerge as adult butterflies.
Identification TipsEasily identified by its distinctive orange and black wing pattern with white spots on the black margins. Males have a small black scent patch (androconium) on a vein on each hindwing.
Description
A large, iconic butterfly with vibrant orange wings, prominent black veins, and black borders adorned with white spots.
