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Monarch

Common Name: Monarch
Scientific Name: Danaus plexippus
Wingspan: 7.5-10 cm
Location: It has spread from its home in the Americas to Hawaii, Indonesia, Australia, and the Canary Islands, recently establishing colonies in Mediterranean countries

The Monarch is probably one of the best known and recognized of all butterflies, it is a member of the Danaidae family. The upperside of the male is bright orange with wide black borders and black veins; the hindwing has a patch of scent scales. Upperside of female is orange-brown with wide black borders and blurred black veins. Both sexes have white spots on the borders and apex. Adults warm up by basking with their wings open and toward the sun. Adults make massive migrations from August-October, flying thousands of miles south to hibernate along the California coast and in central Mexico. Along the way, Monarchs stop to feed on flower nectar and to roost together at night.