Queen
(Danaus gilippus)
Milkweed Butterflies
Appearance: Above, rich orange-brown with white spots on the outer forewing and within the black wing margins. Male has black patch along one hindwing vein; absent in female. Below, hindwing has black veins and double row of fine white spots on black margin; forewing orange-brown with white spots and black margin containing fine white spots.
Wingspan: Large; 2 5/8 to 3 7/8 inches.
Habitat: Open, sunny habitats, fields, roadsides, pastures; plains.
Flight Times: July to August.
Larval Foodplant: Milkweeds.
Did You Know…
The host plant milkweeds contain cardiac glycosides which are stored in the bodies of the caterpillar and adult, These toxins are distasteful to birds and other predators. A distasteful meal and bright warning orange coloration may prevent or reduce predation on this species.
