Monarch Butterfly (potentially a wing fragment)

Natural Habitat

Widely distributed across North and South America, found in open fields, meadows, gardens, and along roadsides, especially where milkweed (their host plant) is present.

Diet & Feeding

Adult monarchs feed on nectar from a variety of flowers. Larvae (caterpillars) feed exclusively on milkweed leaves.

Behavior Patterns

Monarch butterflies are famous for their annual long-distance migration, traveling thousands of miles from breeding grounds in the US and Canada to overwintering sites in Mexico and California. They exhibit a distinct flight pattern and are known for their aposematic (warning) coloration, signaling toxicity to predators due to compounds ingested from milkweed during their larval stage.

Risks & Benefits

Monarchs are significant pollinators, benefiting ecosystems and agriculture. Their populations have faced decline due to habitat loss (especially milkweed), pesticide use, and climate change, making their conservation a benefit. There are no direct risks to humans.

Identified on: 10/19/2025