Monarch Butterfly
Danaus plexippus
The host plant for monarchs, several varieties of milkweed, contain cardenolides and cardiac glycosides, bitter-tasting chemicals that could cause congestive heart failure in vertebrates. By eating these toxins and storing them in their bodies, they are vile tasting to birds. Birds quickly learn to avoid the caterpillars and orange and black butterflies.
Monarchs are famous for migrating to warmer climates when the weather cools. They winter in the high mountains of central Mexico. In the summer, the move north into North America.
Butterfly Size: 3 3/8 – 4 7/8 inches
Habitats: Found in many open habitats including fields, meadows, weedy areas, marshes and roadsides
Plants for the Monarch Butterfly
HOST PLANTS
- Varieties of milkweed – Asclepias spp.
- Butterfly weed is one of these
FOOD PLANTS
- Many flowering plants and trees
- Some of these are: lantana, zinnias, abelias, vitex
Monarch butterfly on zinnias Lantana Butterfly Weed
Video about Monarch Migration
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We need your help to continue to protect, promote, and celebrate the resources, people, and culture of the Lower Delta.
WHAT WE DO
Mississippi’s Lower Delta Partnership promotes and enhances the economic and environmental health of Mississippi’s Lower Delta.
We provide educational workshops and cultural programs; community and youth activities; encourage heritage, cultural, and nature tourism in our region; and act as an advocate for the South Delta.
