Monarch (Danaus plexippus) (Linnaeus, 1758)

 

Synonyms: Papilio plexippus, Monarch butterfly, Milkweed Butterfly

 

 

The Monarch butterfly is distributed throughout much of temperate North America, and also in the tropics of Central and South America; it has been introduced to the Iberian Peninsula, Australia, and some islands in the Pacific. The northern populations are known for their annual migration to Mexico, California and Florida, and spectacular winter roosts of millions in the highlands of central Mexico. The southern populations are residential. Adult Monarchs take nectar from a variety of flowers, but the caterpillars feed mostly on plants in the Milkweed family (Asclepiadaceae) including Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca).

 

		9347 Monarch (Danaus plexippus) near Long Point Ontario, Canada Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
		D50018 Monarch (Danaus plexippus) Bruce Peninsula Ontario, Canada Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
		13231 Monarch (Danaus plexippus) near Long Point Ontario, Canada Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
		13226 Monarch (Danaus plexippus) near Long Point Ontario, Canada Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
		9345 Monarch (Danaus plexippus) near Long Point Ontario, Canada Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
		5140 Monarchs (Danaus plexippus) Oshawa Second Marsh Ontario, Canada Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved

 

Caterpillars
		5003 Monarch (Danaus plexippus), caterpillar Huffs Island, Prince Edward County Ontario, Canada Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
		D29575 Monarch (Danaus plexippus), caterpillar Bruce Peninsula Ontario, Canada Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
		5004 Monarch (Danaus plexippus), caterpillar Huffs Island, Prince Edward County Ontario, Canada Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved

 

		D29578 Monarch (Danaus plexippus), caterpillar Bruce Peninsula Ontario, Canada Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
		D29666 Monarch (Danaus plexippus), caterpillar Bruce Peninsula Ontario, Canada Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
		D29668 Monarch (Danaus plexippus), caterpillar Bruce Peninsula Ontario, Canada Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
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