Danaus plexippus
Danaus plexippus, commonly known as the monarch butterfly, is a large, colorful butterfly native to North America. It is easily recognized by its striking orange and black wings, which feature distinctive black lines and white spots. Monarchs are known for their remarkable migration, traveling thousands of miles from North America to central Mexico for the winter.
The life cycle of Danaus plexippus includes four stages: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult butterfly. Monarch caterpillars feed primarily on milkweed, which provides them with toxins that make them unpalatable to predators. This adaptation helps ensure their survival in the wild.