Monarch Butterfly

Natural Habitat

Open fields, meadows, gardens, and along roadsides, especially where milkweed (Asclepias species) plants are present. They are found across North and South America, as well as Australia, New Zealand, and several Pacific islands.

Diet & Feeding

Adult monarchs feed on the nectar of a wide variety of flowering plants. Caterpillars feed exclusively on the leaves of milkweed plants.

Behavior Patterns

Known for their spectacular annual migration where millions travel thousands of miles from the US and Canada to overwintering sites in Mexico and California. They exhibit a distinct flight pattern and are active during the day. Females lay eggs singly on milkweed plants. Larvae (caterpillars) progress through several instars before pupating into a chrysalis. Adult emergence occurs after metamorphosis.

Risks & Benefits

Benefits include their role as important pollinators of various flowering plants. Their caterpillars are food for some predators, and the adults provide food for certain birds and other animals. However, adult monarchs are toxic to many predators due to the cardenolides accumulated from consuming milkweed as larvae. Risks are primarily associated with the decline of their populations due to habitat loss, use of pesticides, and reduction of milkweed, which can impact ecosystem stability.

Identified on: 9/17/2025