Point Pelee Classification Guide
By: Madison Trozzi
MONARCH BUTTERFLIES
The monarch butterfly is a milkweed butterfly in the family Nymphalidae.
The family Nymphalidae have a few distinguishing characteristics:
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Have a wide range of appearances.
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Usually medium to large in size.
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Usually brightly marked or uniquely marked.
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Often have rigid antennae that are tipped with little knobs called clubs.
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Usually migrate for long lengths of time.
Monarch Butterflies
(Danaus plexippus)
What To Look For:
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One of the most familiar North American butterflies.
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Its wings feature a recognizable orange and black pattern. A similar butterfly is the viceroy butterfly, but this other species is smaller than the monarch and has an extra black stripe along its hind wing.
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Migration takes place during the late summer/autumn period, all the way from the USA and southern Canada to Mexico. They cover thousands of miles.
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Eggs are laid during spring and summer months, and hatch four days later. Monarch caterpillars are uniquely coloured, their bodies banded with yellow, black, and white stripes.
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The monarch chrysalis is usually green and yellow in colour.
