Monarch

Danaus plexippus

Monarchs are amazing fliers and navigators. Every autumn, millions of them migrate from eastern and central North America south to Mexico and begin the journey back north in the spring: a round trip of thousands of miles! In spring, females lay eggs on their way back north, and their newly hatched offspring complete the trip for them.

Look For : Large, brown-orange wings with black veins and thick black outlines, which are dotted with white. Caterpillar feeds on milkweed, causing adult butterfly to taste bad to most birds.

Length : 3 1/2-4".

Habitat : Fields, roadsides, and other areas where milkweed grows.

Range : Widespread except far north.