Gardens with Wings

What Butterflies Can I Attract to My Garden?

Monarch (Danaus plexippus)

Mal
Male Monarch Butterfly
Copyright: Fred Miller
This butterfly is sponsored In Memory of Sarah Biskupski (Traverse City, MI)

This spectacular species is one of the most popular and distinguished butterflies. It is a bright shade of brownish red to orange and is complimented by brown or black, outlining the wings and highlighting the veins. The Monarch is one of the longest-lived butterflies, living up to 9 months.

Every year this butterfly makes a fantastic journey, up to 3000 miles, as it migrates to warmer climates, such as Mexico. Even more amazing, the many generations of the butterfly return year after year to many of the same locations. Monarchs are relatively large butterflies and strong fliers; they enjoy open areas and love Milkweed. The monarch chrysalis is just as impressive. It is a shimmering green accented with gold, resembling priceless jewelry, a must-have in all Gardens With Wings!

How to Raise Monarch Butterflies, A Step-by-Step Guide for Kids by Carol Pasternak

Monarch Life Cycle

White elongated butterfly egg on leaf
Elongated White Butterfly Egg
Copyright: Fred Miller
white caterpillar emerging from white egg
Caterpillar Hatching from Egg
Copyright: Diane P. Brooks
Caterpillar on Milkweed Leaf
Copyright: Fred Miller
Monarch Chrysalis
Jade Chrysalis with Gold Dots
Copyright: Fred Miller
monarch butterfly hatching from chrysalis
Monarch Butterfly Emerging
Copyright: Fred Miller
Monarch Caterpillar and Butterfly Feeding on Milkweed
Copyright: Ann Marie Hofmann
orange and black butterfly with white spots
Female Monarch on Flowers
Copyright: Lynn Bennett Byrd
Monarch Butterflies Mating
Copyright: Patty Bigner
Tagging Monarch
Copyright: Fred Miller
Female
Female Nectaring on Zinnia
Copyright: Fred Miller
Male
Male Monarch Feeding on Mexican Sunflower
Copyright: Fred Miller

Monarch Host and Nectar Plants

Host Plants for the Monarch: (What is this?)
Butterfly Milkweed, Common Milkweed, Swamp Milkweed, Tropical Milkweed
Nectar Plants for the Monarch: (What is this?)
Blazing Stars, Butterfly Bush, Butterfly Milkweed, Coreopsis, Lantana, Mexican Sunflowers, Ox-Eye Daisy, Salvia, Showy Stonecrop, Swamp Milkweed, Tropical Milkweed, Zinnia, and more
Where to Buy Plants

Monarch Facts And Information

Butterfly Family: Brush-footed Butterflies (Nymphalidae)
Butterfly Subfamily: Milkweed Butterfly (Danainae)
Butterfly Wingspan: 3 1/2 in. to 4 in.
Butterfly Habitat: Open areas, meadows, fields
Similar To: Queen, Viceroy

Monarch Flight Range Map

Note: Map represents approximate butterfly flight range.

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