Lepidoptera Gallery
Butterflies
Butterfly and Moth Image Gallery
: Butterflies
Danaus plexippus (Monarch)
The State Butterfly of Illinois is the Monarch butterfly, which can be seen in all parts of Illinois during its annual migration. Its wingspan of orange and black measures 3.3 to 4.8 inches. Males are bright orange with black veins (females are a duller brownish orange). The borders of both wings feature two rows of white spots. The undersides of the wings are lighter and duller than the upper sides.
This species uses milkweed species in which to lay eggs. A female may lay eggs three times during the summer. The last generation migrates south to Mexico and returns to breed the next year.
Collection of the Illinois State Museum
Photographed by Dr. Everett Cashatt
Accession #:
Butterfly and Moth Image Gallery
: Butterflies
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