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Monarch

Danaus plexippus

Not Evaluated ↓

Diet

Herbivore

Lifespan

1 years

Length

5 cm

Weight

0 g

Trend

↓ Decreasing

About

One of the world's most remarkable migratory insects, monarch butterflies undertake multigenerational round-trip migrations of up to 4,800 km between breeding grounds in northern North America and overwintering sites in Mexican mountain forests. Brilliant orange and black wings warn predators of toxicity derived from milkweed plants consumed as caterpillars. Endangered, with overwintering populations having declined by over 80% since the 1990s due to milkweed habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change.

Fun Facts

✨ They can taste with their feet.
✨ Their bright colors warn predators that they are toxic.
✨ No single butterfly completes the entire round-trip migration.

Habitat & Distribution

Typically found in grasslands, forests, and vegetated habitats.

🌲 Forest 🌿 Grassland

Widely distributed across Asia (Taiwan), Europe (8 countries), North America (Canada, United States), and South America (Colombia).

🇹🇼 Taiwan 🇵🇹 Portugal 🇸🇪 Sweden 🇧🇪 Belgium 🇩🇰 Denmark 🇫🇷 France 🇨🇦 Canada 🇪🇸 Spain 🇬🇧 United Kingdom 🇺🇸 United States 🇨🇴 Colombia 🇳🇱 Netherlands

Diet & Behavior

🌿

Herbivore

Monarch is classified as herbivore, adapted to its ecological niche.

Diet

🌿 Herbivore

Plant matter 100%

Full Taxonomy

Kingdom

Animalia (Tier)

Phylum

Arthropoda (Gliederfüßer)

Class

Insecta (Insekten)

Order

Lepidoptera (Schmetterlinge)

Family

Nymphalidae (Brush-footed Butterflies)

Genus

Danaus (Milkweed Butterflies)

Species

Danaus plexippus (Monarch)

Names in Other Languages

Spanish Mariposa Monarca

French monarque

German Monarch

Similar Species in Danaus

🦋

Common Tiger Butterfly

View all species in Danaus →

Explore More

Brush-footed Butterflies

Compare Species

vs Common Tiger Butterfly vs Queen vs African Monarch

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the scientific name of Monarch?

The scientific name of Monarch is Danaus plexippus. It belongs to the genus Danaus.

Where does Monarch live?

Monarch is found in Widely distributed across Asia (Taiwan), Europe (8 countries), North America (Canada, United States), and South America (Colombia).. Countries include Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, France, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan.

What family does Monarch belong to?

Monarch (Danaus plexippus) belongs to the genus Danaus, which is part of the taxonomic family Nymphalidae.

What does Monarch eat?

Monarch is herbivore. Its diet is adapted to its natural habitat and ecological niche.

How long does Monarch live?

Monarch has an average lifespan of approximately 1 years in the wild.

What kingdom does Monarch belong to?

Monarch (Danaus plexippus) belongs to the kingdom Animalia (Tier).

What are the closest relatives of Monarch?

The closest relatives of Monarch in the genus Danaus include Common Tiger Butterfly, Queen, African Monarch.