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.

Durham Co., NC 8/15/10.

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.

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.

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.

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

Buncombe Co., NC 7/8/06.

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

Durham Co., NC 9/9/06.

This one is on Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca).

Grayson Co., VA 9/23/06.

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

Grayson Co., VA 9/23/06.

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.

Durham Co., NC 8/15/10.

Durham Co., NC 8/15/10.

Durham Co., NC 8/29/10.

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.

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

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

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

Monarch egg on Swamp Milkweed flower buds.

Alleghany Co., NC 7/2/06.

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

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

Monarch caterpillar underneath a Golden Banded-Skipper.

Buncombe Co., NC 7/8/06.