Danaus plexippus Linnaeus
- Color:
- The Monarch is the most familiar butterfly species. The body of the Monarch is black. All four wings are a brilliant orange color with black venous patterns on each. Additionally, all four wings have black bands, laterally, with white spots on each. The two upper wings have more white patterns near each wing tip. The male monarch is distinguished from the female by the presence of two black markings on the lower wings (Klots, 1979, 77).
- Size:
- The Monarch is 3.5-4.5 inches in width (Klots, 1979, 77), and 3.5-4.0 inches in height.
- Food:
- The caterpillar feeds on various species of the Milkweed plant, and Dogbane (Green Milkweed) (Klots, 1979, 78).
- Geographic Range:
- The Monarch is found all throughout North America (Klots, 1979, 78).
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