Monarch
Danaus plexippus
The Monarch is one of the most recognizable North American butterflies, with broad orange wings, bold black veins, and black borders marked with white spots. These photos show the butterfly visiting Butterfly Milkweed, nectaring among tall prairie flowers, approaching purple thistle in flight, and as a striped caterpillar on milkweed.
For identification details, life-cycle notes, host plant information, and comparison with similar orange-and-black butterflies, see Danaus plexippus in the Field Notes section. For photographic observations and visual context, see Photographic Sequence in the Field Notes section. The Monarch is also shown visiting Butterfly Milkweed on the plant Field Notes page.
Monarch on Butterfly Milkweed
A close dorsal view of the Monarch on Butterfly Milkweed, connecting the adult butterfly to a familiar milkweed flower.
E22A8925
Monarch Among Prairie Flowers
A wider prairie view with the Monarch set among tall yellow flowers, blue sky, and summer clouds.
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Open Wings on Butterfly Milkweed
The Monarch spreads its wings across the orange flower cluster, keeping the milkweed connection visible in the frame.
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Monarch Approaching Thistle
A side view of a Monarch in flight near purple thistle flowers, with the meadow fading softly behind it.
E21A5083
Monarch on Yellow Flowers
A close dorsal view showing the Monarch’s orange wings, dark veins, and white-spotted black margins.
E21A3466
Monarch Caterpillar on Milkweed
A striped Monarch larva on milkweed, the host plant for this species.
D79A0327