Monarch Butterfly
Danaus plexippus
low risk
beneficial_insect
Overview
Iconic migratory butterfly. Important pollinator and conservation symbol. Population in serious decline.
Large, wingspan 90-100mm. Bright orange with black veins and white-dotted black border. Males have black spot on hindwing.
Prevention Strategies
- •Plant native milkweed to support population
- •Avoid insecticides especially during migration
Control Methods
- •No control - plant milkweed to HELP this species
Interesting Facts
- •Migrates up to 4,800km to overwintering sites
- •Population declined over 90% in recent decades
- •Sequester toxins from milkweed making them unpalatable to predators
- •Listed as endangered by IUCN