Danaus plexippus plexippus

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Vernacular names
English : Monarch butterfly
French : Petit monarque

Classification
Class : Insecta
Order : Lepidoptera
Family : Nymphalidae
Notes : Up to 5 other subspecies known. Their validity is questionned.

Identification
Adults can reach a wingspan of 10 cm. Body black with lots of white spots, even on head. Wings bright orange with black veins. Wing edges black with white spots. Female is darker with broader black wing edges.

Range and habitat
This species occurs in North America from South Canada to Mexico, and south to Colombia, Venezuela and Guianas. Also found on Pacific Islands, Caribbean Islands, Australia, Indonesia and accidentally in Europe as migrant. It lives in woodlands, open forests, wooded grasslands with access to host plants.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species seems safe although some of its populations are declining. Preservation of both wintering and breeding habitats are vital for its survival.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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