Monarch (Danaus plexippus)

Monarch (Danaus plexippus)

Monarch is one of our most familiar, widespread butterflies. The one at left is nectaring on Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), which is also the caterpillar host plant. There are a few Monarchs around in the summer, but they're much more abundant during fall migration.

Durham Co., NC 8/15/10.

Monarch (Danaus plexippus)

Durham Co., NC 8/15/10.

Monarch (Danaus plexippus)

The most similar species is the Monarch mimicing Viceroy (Limenitis archippus), which is smaller, flies with flat wings (Monarch usually flies with its wings in a V-shape), and has a black bar across the hindwing. Also compare with the related Queen and Soldier.

Carroll Co., VA 7/24/05.

Monarch (Danaus plexippus)

Monarchs are very uncommon in the Coastal Plain in spring and summer, where Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) is rare.

Washington Co., NC 6/21/06.

Monarch (Danaus plexippus)

This one is a male, as you can tell from the vestigial black scent patch in the middle of the hindwing vein.

Carroll Co., VA 7/24/05.

Monarch (Danaus plexippus) caterpillar

The boldly banded black, white, and yellow caterpillars look like they have antennae at both ends.

Buncombe Co., NC 7/8/06.

Monarch (Danaus plexippus) caterpillar

This caterpillar is feeding on Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata).

Durham Co., NC 9/9/06.

Monarch (Danaus plexippus) caterpillar

This one is on Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca).

Grayson Co., VA 9/23/06.

Milkweed Tussock Moth (Euchaetes egle)

Another common milkweed caterpillar is the Milkweed Tussock Moth (Euchaetes egle).

Grayson Co., VA 9/23/06.

Monarch (Danaus plexippus) caterpillar

This caterpillar had run out of milkweed leaves and was attempting to eat a pod. There were several emaciated caterpillars on this milkweed.

Durham Co., NC 9/13/09.

Monarch (Danaus plexippus) caterpillar

Durham Co., NC 8/15/10.

Monarch (Danaus plexippus) caterpillar

Durham Co., NC 8/15/10.

Monarch (Danaus plexippus) caterpillars

Durham Co., NC 8/29/10.

Golden Banded-Skipper (Autochton cellus)

Monarch caterpillar underneath a Golden Banded-Skipper.

Buncombe Co., NC 7/8/06.

Monarch (Danaus plexippus) caterpillar

With Large Milkweed Bugs (Oncopeltus fasciatus).

Durham Co., NC 9/9/2012.

Monarch (Danaus plexippus) caterpillar

Durham Co., NC 9/9/2012.

Monarch (Danaus plexippus) caterpillar

Durham Co., NC 9/9/2012.

Monarch (Danaus plexippus) caterpillar

Durham Co., NC 9/9/2012.

Monarch (Danaus plexippus)

The next few photos were taken at the Flat River Impoundment near Falls Lake in Durham County, NC on 16 September 2001. I saw a total of about 60 that day. These two were still nectaring on Eupatorium sp. at 6 pm.

Monarch (Danaus plexippus)

Male. Durham Co., NC 9/16/2001.

Monarch (Danaus plexippus)

This was one of many migrants at Mahogany Rock, Alleghany Co., NC on 9/23/2001.

Monarch (Danaus plexippus)

Male. Moore Co., NC, 10/7/2001.

Monarch (Danaus plexippus) egg

Monarch egg on Swamp Milkweed flower buds.

Alleghany Co., NC 7/2/06.

Black-and-Yellow Argiope (Argiope aurantia)

This migrating Monarch has been caught by a Black and Yellow Argiope!

New Hanover Co., NC 8/26/06.

All photographs and text ©2013 by Will Cook unless otherwise noted.