Monarch Butterfly(Danaus plexippus)

male

female

Growing Up Fast The monarch butterfly is sometimes

called the "milkweed butterfly" because its larvae eat the plant.

In fact, milkweed is the only thing the larvae can eat!

Because milkweed contains toxins, butterfly larvae and adults are poisonous to predators.

Monarch Metamorphosis

Like many other insects, monarchs undergo complete metamorphosis, changing drastically in form over a period of about four weeks.

Four Stages of Monarch Metamorphosis

Monarch Migration

Monarchs follow the same migration patterns every year, coming from all over North America (east of the rockies) and ending in central Mexico.

During the migration, huge numbers of butterflies can be seen gathered together on trees.

Monarchs go through 3-4 generations during the year—only one generation actually makes the trip to Mexico.

Migration Paths

Beware of Imitators!

The Viceroy (Limenitis archippus) has evolved to look like the toxic monarch because this makes predators avoid it too!

MonarchViceroy

Monarch Watch Data Collection

Tag Number (ABC 123) Date (08/26/03) Sex (M or F) Location (City, County, State, Zip)