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Monarch Butterfly

Monarch Butterfly Spread

Monarch Butterfly Side

Monarch Butterfly Caterpillar

Danaus plexippus

Just a good old fashioned common monarch butterfly (Raulston arboretum in Raleigh, NC). The one on the yellow flower is, I believe, Male (per that dark little dot in the middle of its lower wings). I’m not sure about the one on the pink flower. The caterpillar is like an early/young monarch caterpillar.

In Australia – these butterflies are called Wanderer Butterflies.

Monarchs are possible the most easily recognized and familiar butterfly worldwide. In the US they are known for the wanderlust – or rather, extensive migration patterns. Many of the US Monarchs winter in Mexico. Monarchs are even becoming more common on the island of Bermuda due to the increase of milkweeds. Milkweed is the host plant for the Monarch caterpillar. Because of which they are poisonous to birds because of the presence of cardenolide aglycones from the milkweed.

Monarchs born in early summer usually only live two months, those born in late summer enjoy a longer life (7 months) but also have go through a non-productive stage. With the right environment, they can enjoy a life in your garden lasting somewhere between 2 & 8 weeks.