Southern Monarch
Common NameSouthern Monarch
Scientific NameDanaus plexippus
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyDanainae
Wingspan (mm)95
Primary Colorsorange, black, white
HabitatOpen fields, meadows, grasslands, gardens, forest edges
Geographic RangeNorth America, Central America, South America, Australia, New Zealand, some Pacific islands
Host Plantsmilkweed (Asclepias spp.)
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions; spring to fall in temperate zones
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on milkweed leaves. Larvae are distinctively striped yellow, black, and white. Pupae are jade green with a metallic gold band, from which the adult butterfly emerges.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive orange and black wing pattern with thick black veins. Males have a small, dark scent patch (androconium) on a hindwing vein that females lack.
Description
A large, iconic butterfly with bright orange wings featuring prominent black veins and a black border adorned with two rows of white spots.
