Monarch Butterfly Facts & Information

What is a monarch butterfly?

Monarch butterflies (scientific name Danaus plexippus) are one of the most recognizable butterflies in North America. Because of its color, this monarch butterfly species may also be called the “Black-Veined Brown” or “Common Tiger” butterfly.

How long do monarch butterflies live?

Although Danaus plexippus is basically a North American species, they also can be found in the South Pacific and can live up to 8 months.

Monarch Butterfly Threats

Threats to monarchs come from habitat loss, food plant destruction, improper use of insecticides.

Monarch Butterfly Habitat

Monarch butterflies thrive in open, sunny habitats such as prairies, meadows, grasslands, and gardens where milkweed plants are abundant. These environments provide the essential resources monarchs need to complete their life cycle.

What do monarch butterflies eat?

Milkweed is especially critical because it is the only plant monarch caterpillars can eat. Female monarchs lay their eggs exclusively on milkweed, and the leaves provide food for the emerging larvae.

Are monarch butterflies poisonous?

Yes, monarch butterflies are poisonous. In addition to nourishment, milkweed contains toxic compounds that monarchs absorb, making them unpalatable to predators and offering a natural defense. Without access to milkweed, monarch populations cannot survive, making the preservation and planting of native milkweed species vital to their conservation.

Monarch Butterfly Colors

Most butterflies in the genus Danaus are orange, black, and white.

Viceroy Butterfly vs. Monarch

Monarchs are often mistaken for the smaller viceroy butterfly, so be careful not to be confused if you see a butterfly that looks almost entirely like a monarch but is smaller. However, one of the most important characteristics that distinguish these butterflies is the presence or absence of a black line on the wing.

Are Monarch Butterflies Endangered?

Monarch butterflies are not currently listed as endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, but they are considered at risk.

Here’s their current status as of 2025:

1. U.S. Status

• In 2020, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service found that monarchs qualified for endangered status, but other species were given higher priority. So, monarchs were added to the “candidate” list, meaning they warrant protection but are not officially protected yet.

2. Global Status

• The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) listed the migratory monarch butterfly as Endangered in 2022 due to significant population declines.

3. Why They’re at Risk

• Habitat loss (especially milkweed, which is essential for their larvae)

• Climate change affecting migration patterns and breeding grounds

• Deforestation in overwintering sites in Mexico and California

While monarch butterflies are not officially endangered in the U.S., they face serious threats, and conservation efforts are considered urgently needed to prevent further decline.

Monarch Butterfly Life Cycle

Monarch butterflies develop by complete metamorphosis, which means they go through four distinctly different stages - Egg, Larval (caterpillar) Pupal and Adult. The time frame for a monarch to complete its life cycle (egg through living adult) depends upon many environmental factors but generally is about 7 -13 weeks.

Monarch Butterfly Migration

The North American Monarch butterflies have a very simple migration pattern. From points east of the Rocky Mountains, the butterflies cross the Gulf of Mexico and hibernate in Mexico on oyamel fir trees. From points west of the Rocky Mountains, they hibernate in southern California, in eucalyptus trees. Since monarch migration routes expose them to winds, sometimes the North American monarchs are blown off course and end up in other countries throughout the world.8.5.1

Does Orkin treat for monarch butterflies?

Orkin does not treat for monarch butterflies since they are neither invasive nor a threat to humans, animals or property. Additionally, monarch butterflies are not considered to be “pests.” In fact, monarchs are widely viewed as beneficial and ecologically important insects due to their role in pollination.

Monarch Butterfly Conservation

Conservation efforts for monarch butterflies focus on protecting and restoring the habitats and resources they need to survive, particularly during their long migrations between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

Key conservation efforts include:

• Planting milkweed, the only plant monarch caterpillars eat and lay eggs on.

• Providing nectar-rich flowers for adult butterflies, especially during migration.

• Protecting overwintering sites in Mexico and California, where monarchs cluster in large numbers.

• Educating the public about monarch life cycles and how to create butterfly-friendly spaces.

Conservation is crucial because monarchs are not only iconic pollinators, but also important indicators of environmental health. Their decline signals broader ecological challenges that affect many species, including humans.