
Common Names: Monarch Butterfly, Monarch, Milkweed, Common Tiger, Wanderer, and Black-veined Brown
Synonyms: Danaus plexippus
Subspecies: plexippus, nigrippus, megalippe, leucogyne, portoricensis, tobagi
Family: Nymphalidae (Brush-Footed Butterflies)
Size: 3.5–4 inches (8.9–10.2 cm)
Colors: orange, black, white
Generations: 4/year
4 Stage Time: 4 months
Butterfly Life:
Description:
The Monarch Butterfly or simply Monarch (Danaus plexippus) is a milkweed butterfly in the family of Brush-Footed Butterflies (Nymphalidae). It may be the most familiar North American butterfly, and is considered an iconic pollinator species. Its wings feature an easily recognizable black, orange, and white pattern, with a wingspan of 3.5–4 inches (8.9–10.2 cm). In the Americas, the monarch ranges from southern Canada through northern South America. The range of the western and eastern populations expands and contracts depending upon the season. The range differs between breeding areas, migration routes, and winter roosts. Overwintering populations of D. plexippus plexippus are found in Mexico, California, along the Gulf Coast, year round in Florida, and in Arizona where the habitat has the specific conditions necessary for their survival.
Distribution:
Seen: NV (Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve) June
Habitat:
Plants: Milkweed for eggs



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