A monark is a type of butterfly belonging to the family Nymphalidae. Known for its striking orange and black wings, the Monarch butterfly is easily recognizable and is often found in North America. These butterflies are famous for their long migrations, traveling thousands of miles from their breeding grounds in the United States and Canada to wintering sites in Mexico. The life cycle of a monark includes four stages: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult butterfly. The caterpillars primarily feed on milkweed, which provides them with toxins that make them unpalatable to predators. This unique adaptation helps ensure their survival in the wild.