The Monarch (Danaus plexippus) is perhaps the most famous butterfly in the world, instantly recognizable by its brilliant orange wings veined with black and edged with white dots. In 2026, monarchs remain a powerful symbol of migration, resilience, and the importance of conservation.
Key Facts
- Wingspan: 3.5–4 inches
- Lifespan: 2–6 weeks (non-migratory generations); up to 9 months for the migratory “Methuselah” generation
- Migration: Eastern North American monarchs fly up to 3,000 miles from Canada/USA to overwinter in the oyamel fir forests of central Mexico—an incredible multi-generational journey completed by insects with brains the size of a pinhead.
Host & Nectar Plants Caterpillars feed exclusively on milkweed (Asclepias species). Adults sip nectar from zinnias, lantana, butterfly bush, goldenrod, and cosmos.
Conservation Note Monarch populations have declined sharply due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. Planting native milkweed and avoiding broad-spectrum insecticides helps them thrive.
Fun Fact Monarchs taste bad to predators thanks to toxins absorbed from milkweed—hence their bright warning colors.
Want to help monarchs? Start a milkweed patch this spring!
Insect Lore Butterfly Garden Kit – 5 Live Baby Caterpillars, Habitat, Feeder, Chrys-A-Lid Log, STEM Journal Included
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