Monarch Caterpillar

Fields, meadows, prairies, roadsides, and gardens where milkweed plants are present

Exclusively leaves of the milkweed plant (Asclepias genus)

The caterpillar spends its time feeding and growing through five stages called instars before forming a chrysalis to undergo metamorphosis into a butterfly. It sequesters toxins from milkweed to become poisonous to predators.

Benefits include its eventual role as a pollinator when reaching the butterfly stage; it is a flagship species for conservation. No physical risk to humans, but it is toxic if ingested by pets or wildlife.