Queen Butterfly (Danaus gilippus)
Orange Male Butterfly Nectaring on Orange Slice
Copyright: Fred Miller
This queen loves to show off in open sunny areas where all can see. At a quick glance, it resembles a Monarch but with a closer eye you will see that the Queen is darker orange/brown and the veins are only black on the underside of the hind wings.
These butterflies are also different from their close relatives, the Monarch, by not migrating. Queens usually stay in southern North America where it is warmer year round. Similar to the Monarch, males and females can be determined by the male’s pheromone producing scent gland on the hind wing. It looks like a dark spot on the wing. Queens are a royal treat to have in any southern garden.
Queen Photos, Facts, And Information
Green Chrysalis with Gold Dots
Copyright: Fred Miller
White Body with Black and Yellow Stripes, and Black Tentacles
Copyright: Regina Cutter Edwards
Male Butterfly Nectaring on Orange Slice
Copyright: Fred Miller
Queen Host and Nectar Plants
Host Plants for the Queen: (What is this?)
Nectar Plants for the Queen: (What is this?)
Queen Facts And Information
Butterfly Family: Brush-footed Butterflies (Nymphalidae)
Butterfly Subfamily: Milkweed Butterfly (Danainae)
Butterfly Wingspan: 2 5/8 in. to 3 7/8 in.
Butterfly Habitat: Open areas, fields, deserts, pastures
Queen Flight Range Map
Note: Map represents approximate butterfly flight range.
