MAY: Danaus plexippus EGGS
Host plants: Milkweeds and related plants (Asclepias, Araujia, Calotropis), and butternut squash (fruit not foliage!)
Difficulty: Easy (2/10)
Temperature: Room temperature or warmer; butterflies enjoy warmth and sunshine
Lifecycle: Continually brooded, undergoes massive migrations in nature
Danaus plexippus, commonly known as the Monarch Butterfly, is one of the most iconic and widely recognized butterfly species in the world. Belonging to the Nymphalidae family, this remarkable insect is celebrated for its incredible migration, stunning beauty, and ecological significance. In fact, whilst this species is typically associated with North America, it can often be found in areas of Central & South America, Southern Europe, many parts of Africa and Asia. Occasionally it can be found in the UK as a rare migrant! The caterpillar feeds on milkweed leaves, which contain toxins that make the caterpillar and adult butterfly unpalatable to most predators. In captivity, caterpillars will accept other related plants, in addition to slices of butternut squash.