Queen
Common NameQueen
Scientific NameDanaus gilippus
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyDanainae
Wingspan (mm)75
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, black, white
HabitatOpen fields, grasslands, deserts, pastures, roadsides, open woodlands
Geographic RangeSouthern United States, Mexico, Central America, Caribbean, and South America
Host Plantsmilkweed, climbing milkweed, swallow-wort
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions; spring to fall in temperate areas
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are striped yellow, black, and white with fleshy filaments. Pupae are green with gold spots, from which the adult butterfly emerges.
Identification TipsDistinguished from Monarchs by generally smaller size, less prominent black veins on the orange wings, and the distinctive black borders with white spots. Males possess a scent patch on the hindwing.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with rich orange-brown wings, black borders, and prominent white spots along the margins. The forewings also feature a few black spots.
