Monarch Butterfly

Danaus plexippus

Explore the Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus) species record in The Ark Is Earth, including classification, habitat, distribution, conservation information, and sources.

Summary

The Monarch Butterfly is a migratory milkweed-feeding butterfly of North American meadows, grasslands, and gardens. Caterpillars store milkweed chemicals that help defend them, and many adults undertake long seasonal migrations. Listed as Endangered, it is affected by loss of milkweed and nectar habitat, pesticide exposure, and changing climate.

Classification in this archive

Animals › Arthropods › Insects › Butterflies and moths › Brush-footed butterflies › Milkweed butterflies

Habitat and distribution

Habitat: meadow, grassland, garden
Regions in this record: North America, Canada, United States, Mexico

Conservation field in this record

Endangered

Demonstration note

Some monarchs travel thousands of kilometres during migration.