Monarch
Description
Wingspan 3 1/2-4". Wings brownish orange; black to dark brown on margins with 2 rows of orange and/or white spots and veins outlined in black. Each hind wing of male has a black scent pocket. Head and body black with white spots. Caterpillar, to 2 3/4", is black with white and yellow bands and has a pair of flexible black filaments on its thorax and next-to-last abdominal segment.
Habitat
Meadows, roadsides, and sandy areas wherever milkweeds grow.
Range
Throughout North America, except far North.
Food
Caterpillar feeds on milkweed foliage, flower buds, and milky juice.
Flight
Late May-Fall.
Other
 Monarchs are capable of flying 2,000 miles from Canada to Mexico and back again to the southern United States. Millions migrate every autumn, often stopping in the same rest spots each year. Some even fly as far as Hawaii and eastern Australia. In early spring and summer, returning females travle north in relays, new generations replacing old, laying their eggs along the way. The fully grown caterpillar changes to a barrel-shaped, leaf-green chrysalis studded with gold dots, then shows the colors of the developing butterfly inside. The change from egg to butterfly takes about 4 weeks. there are many generations a year. The Canadians call this butterfly "king Billy" because it's orange and black colors are those of King William of Orange.
Picture
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