About Monarch Butterfly
The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is one of the most recognized butterflies in the world, famous for its remarkable multi-generational annual migration of up to 4,800 km between its overwintering grounds in the oyamel fir forests of central Mexico and its breeding range across Canada and the United States. Adults are large (9–10 cm wingspan) with orange wings veined in black and bordered with white-dotted black margins. Larvae feed exclusively on milkweed plants and sequester toxic cardiac glycosides that make them unpalatable to most predators. Monarch populations have declined by over 80% since the 1990s due to milkweed loss, habitat destruction, and climate change.
Geographic Distribution
This insect is found across Europe, with notable populations in France and surrounding regions.
Management
If you suspect a Monarch Butterfly problem, consult our recommended exterminator services or browse our full pest species database for related species and control guidance.