Monarch butterfly

/mˈɒnək bˈʌtəflˌaɪ/

/mˈɑːnɚk bˈʌɾɚflˌaɪ/

Monarch butterfly

a magnificent insect with vibrant orange wings adorned with black veins and white spots, known for its incredible long-distance migration

synonyms : Danaus plexippus

milkweed butterfly

monarch

monarch butterfly definition and meaning

What is a "monarch butterfly"?

A monarch butterfly is a magnificent insect belonging to the family Nymphalidae, easily recognized by its vibrant orange wings adorned with black veins and white spots. Renowned for its incredible long-distance migration, monarch butterflies travel thousands of miles between their breeding grounds and overwintering sites. They rely on milkweed plants as their sole host for laying eggs and as a food source for their caterpillars. Monarchs are not only symbols of beauty but also of conservation, facing challenges due to habitat loss and climate change. Their annual migration and delicate yet resilient nature make them beloved and iconic creatures in the natural world.

Examples

1. Monarch butterflies like things to be just so.

2. The Monarch butterfly migration is one of the most impressive natural phenomena in the world.

3. Now monarch butterflies, with their yearly trek across the US to their overwintering sites in Mexico, might be the most well-known migratory insects.

4. Spectacular examples include the long-distance migrations of monarch butterflies and salmon.

Nearby words