Danaus plexippus
Taxonomy and Naming
The Danaus plexippus is a species of butterfly commonly known as the Monarch. It belongs to the family Nymphalidae, which is the largest family of butterflies. The genus name Danaus is derived from Greek mythology, referring to Danaus, the mythical king of Libya. The species name plexippus also has its roots in Greek mythology, named after Plexippus, one of the sons of King Aegyptus of Egypt.
Description
The Monarch butterfly is known for its distinctive orange and black patterned wings. The upper side of the wings is tawny-orange, the veins and margins are black, and in the margins are two series of small white spots. The wingspan ranges from 8.9 to 10.2 cm. The body of the Monarch is black with white spots. The males can be distinguished from the females by the presence of a black patch of androconial scales on the hindwings.
Distribution and Habitat
Monarch butterflies are native to North and South America, but they have also expanded to other regions such as Australia, New Zealand, and the Canary Islands. They inhabit a wide range of habitats including fields, meadows, prairie remnants, urban and suburban parks, gardens, and roadsides.
Life Cycle
The life cycle of the Monarch butterfly consists of four stages: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult. The entire process takes about a month to complete, but the timing can vary depending on the temperature and the availability of food resources.
Migration
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Monarch butterfly is its annual migration. In North America, they make massive southward migrations starting in August until the first frost. A northward migration takes place in the spring. The Monarch is the only butterfly known to make a two-way migration as birds do.
Conservation Status
The Monarch butterfly is not currently listed as endangered, but its population has been in a state of decline over the past two decades. The primary threats to the Monarch butterfly are habitat loss due to urban development and changes in agricultural practices, particularly the widespread use of herbicides that destroy milkweed, the primary food source for Monarch caterpillars.