Monarch butterfly
Photo by Sally Phillips
Danaus plexippus (Linnaeus)
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Nymphalidae
Size range
- Large butterfly, wingspan up to 100 mm
Distribution
- Originally from the Pacific Coast of North America
Life History
- Caterpillars feed on plants of the Asclepiadaceae family, usually Swan plant in New Zealand
- Alternative food plants are Tweedia and Araujia
- Adults take only liquid food, nectar and water
Additional images
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Male monarch showing scent pocket on hind wings
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monarch caterpillar starting to pupate
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monarch pupa
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Adult female
