Monarch
Danaus plexippus
Summary
Probably the most well-known butterfly in the US, the monarch is easily identified by its bold orange-and-black coloration, which also serves as a warning to predators.
Monarch larvae feed on milkweeds, which contain cardiac glycosides. These chemicals are stored in the insect’s body and render it unpalatable and toxic to many predators. The bright color patterns of both larvae and adults are clear signs to predators to stay away!.
As adults, monarchs consume the nectar of a wide variety of flowers, particularly New England aster and other members of the sunflower family, which bloom just as the butterflies begin to fuel up for their trip to Mexico. They’ll spend the winter in the Oyamel fir forests, until the time is right to begin the long journey back north in spring.
More Details
FAMILY
Nymphalidae (Brushfoots)
IDENTIFICATION
Wingspan 3.5-4 inches Large orange butterfly with black veins and black borders containing rows of white dots. Male hindwing with black patch of scent scales.
HABITAT
Open areas, meadows, old fields, roadsides, gardens
LIFE CYCLE
Single egg usually found under milkweed leaf. Bright stripes warn predators that caterpillar is toxic. Pale-green chrysalis is adorned with shiny golden dots. Adult: Last generation of summer migrates to central Mexico.
HOST PLANTS
Milkweeds (Asclepias tuberosa, A. incarnata, A. syriaca)
Ecosystem Connections
Monarchs play an important role in all the ecosystems they pass through during their migration. Although they’re toxic to most, some predators such as spiders and mantids can eat them. In this way, they function as other herbivorous insects do, passing nutrients upwards to predators through the food chain.