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!
Viceroy
Monarch
Monarch Watch Data Collection
 Tag Number (ABC 123)
 Date (08/26/03)
 Sex (M or F)
 Location (City, County, State, Zip)