Classification:
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Scientific Name: Danaus plexippus
Common Name:Monarch Butterfly
Class: Insecta
Scientific Name: Danaus plexippus
Common Name:Monarch Butterfly
General Characteristics:
The Monarch Butterfly is an arthropod species that are bright orange in coloration with black borders and veins. The veins are thicker on the female sex compared to the male sex. Their bright orange coloration is used to ward off potential predators. Small yellow, black and white caterpillars hatch from eggs laid by female Monarch Butterflies. The Monarch larvae primarily feed on milkweed, making them poisonous to other invertebrates. As the caterpillar continues to grow and mature, it will eventually form a chrysalis around itself. While inside the chrysalis, the Monarch caterpillar undergoes dramatic morphological changes in order to emerge as an adult butterfly. Once an adult, the Monarch Butterfly feeds on nectar from flowers. Mating for the Monarch Butterfly occurs in the spring just prior to migration from their overwintering sites. Once their breeding grounds are reached, the females lay their eggs on a suitable milkweed plant, completing the life cycle. As winter approaches, the Monarch Butterfly migrates to warmer climates where dense tree cover is available.
Habitat:
The Monarch Butterfly can be found from North and South America and the Caribbean to Australia, New Zealand, Pacific Islands, Canary Islands and Western Europe. Monarch Butterflies can be found in the open country and are dependent on the presence of milkweeds. Since they are sensitive to the frost, the Monarch Butterflies habitat is dependent on the seasons. During the winter, Monarchs prefer warm climates with dense tree cover.
Importance to Humans:
Monarch Butterfly overwintering sites are a very popular tourist attraction. They also serve as a control for milkweed plant populations. Many milkweed varieties are poisonous to cattle and reducing reducing milkweed populations is considered beneficial from a farmers perspective.
Sources:
Kane, Ethan. "Danaus plexippus". Animal Diversity Web. Retrieved from: http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Danaus_plexippus/.