Danaus plexippus

Images of Danaus plexippus

(Monarch, Wanderer)

FAMILY

Nymphalidae

Species

Danaus plexippus

Common name(s)

Monarch, Wanderer

Main colour(s)

Orange, Pale brown

Distinctive feature

Wingspan 93/92 mm

Campus

Cairns, Townsville

Description

The larvae of this plant feed mainly on introduced vines and shrubs in Asclepiadaceae (Apocynaceae s.lat.) such as Asclepias spp., and Caloptropis spp.

Mature larvae have a white body with black and yellow bands on each segment: head white with black markings. Adults tawny-orange in colour, outer margins black enclosing white spots and a few orange spots, veins prominent; lower surface similar but paler. This species was introduced from North America.