Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus) - Recently Deceased

Found on my disturbed driveway at the edge of a dense mixed forest.

I'm not sure if this butterfly was at the end of its life cycle or what exactly happened!

comments (6)

Christine Young

Lion

Aww, sad!! Posted 6 years ago
1. Christine Young
  
  Lion
  
  It looks like it's in good shape too. Posted 6 years ago
2. 1. Flown Kimmerling
    
    Lion
    
    I know! I'm hoping there is no agricultural spraying nearby, but you never know! Posted 6 years ago
  2. 1. Christine Young
      
      Lion
      
      Ugh, hope not! Posted 6 years ago
    2. 1. Flown Kimmerling
        
        Lion
        
        I haven't seen many other dead insects, so it isn't the first possible cause on my list.
        
        Is it possible that the cold snap we experienced killed it? Posted 6 years ago
      2. Christine Young
        
        Lion
        
        Definitely could have been the cold. Posted 6 years ago

The Monarch butterfly

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.

Info 218 3

Similar species: Moths And Butterflies

Species identified by Flown Kimmerling