Monarch Butterfly

The monarch butterfly is an orange-and-black butterfly whose caterpillars feed on milkweeds. Adult butterflies drink nectar, and many North American populations undertake seasonal migrations. White-spotted dark wing borders and bold veins help distinguish the adult's familiar pattern. Milkweed is important for egg laying and larval growth, while nectar plants fuel adults. Not all monarch populations follow the same migration route or distance. The life cycle passes through egg, caterpillar, chrysalis and winged adult stages.