The Monarch Butterfly - Danaus plexippus
The Monarch Butterfly is one of the few butterflies who's larvae (caterpillar) is not damaging to crops. Milkweed is the only food source of the caterpillars and the only plant upon which the adult female lays her eggs. The adults feed on nectar from a variety of plants. The Monarch is common across most of North America and is an excellent source of study and enjoyment for both adults and children. It is an example of complete metamorphosis and it's lifecycle is repeated 2-3 times over the spring and summer. If you would like to help me help monarchs next spring leave me a note on the "contact me" page.

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