Promoted
Monarch Caterpillar - Danaus plexippus
Probably a third instar...The black and yellow bands on the abdomen are darker and more distinct than those of the second instar. Also, the first set of thoracic legs is smaller than the other two, and is closer to the head. Time in this larval stage is usually 1-3 days (temperature dependent).
Spotted on milkweed that was growing on the edge of a pond. I was looking for monarch eggs and was surprised to find this larva instead! The tip of this milkweed plant broke off and you can see the sap oozing out of the end.
The monarch butterfly or simply monarch is a milkweed butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. Other common names depending on region include milkweed, common tiger, wanderer, and black veined brown. It may be the most familiar North American butterfly, and is considered an iconic pollinator species.
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