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Monarch


The Monarch (Danaus plexippus) has a 3-3/8 to 4-7/8 inch wingspan.  It is a large orange butterfly with a strong flight.  It often sails through the air with its wings held in a "V" shape.   The male has a black scent patch on a hindwing vein above.  It is often confused with the Viceroy.

The Monarch is common and is found in open fields, roadsides, and suburban areas.  It can be seen anywhere during migration, but is generally concentrated on the coast and along river valleys.  It is generally seen April/May to October/November.  Its major food plant are the Milkweeds

This butterfly is found in all of North America, south to South America.  It is also found on New Zealand, Australia, the Canary Islands, and India.  Large number of Monarchs move south throughout the eastern United States in September and October.  They overwinter in the mountains of Mexico.   In the very early spring, the overwintering adults mate and begin to move north.  Their offspring continue to move north, and reach much of the East in April or May.