Description

The Monarch (Danaus plexippus) is a well-known migratory butterfly with striking orange wings bordered in black and adorned with white spots, famous for its long-distance migrations across North America to overwintering sites in Mexico and California.

Range

It is found throughout the state.

Similar Species

Viceroy is smaller and has a dark line on the hindwing above that the Monarch lacks.

Host Plants

Various Asclepias milkweeds

Flight

Famously, a migrating species that usually finds it’s way to Minnesota by May, and flies until September before the great migration south to Mexico.