The monarch butterfly is a striking orange and black insect known for its long migrations. These butterflies can travel thousands of miles from North America to central Mexico, where they spend the winter. They are easily recognized by their unique wing patterns and size, with a wingspan of about 3 to 4 inches. Monarchs primarily feed on nectar from flowers, which provides them with energy. They lay their eggs on milkweed plants, which are essential for the survival of their caterpillars. The caterpillars feed on the milkweed, gaining toxins that make them unpalatable to predators.