Monarch Butterfly
Danaus plexippus
The monarch butterfly is known for its bright wings and long-distance migration across North America. Habitat loss and the decline of milkweed have driven dramatic population drops in recent decades.
Conservation Status
Species Data
Student Research3,000+ km
Migration distance
Milkweed-only
Caterpillar diet
4 stages
Life cycle
2 populations
Eastern + Western
What Makes the Monarch Butterfly Unique
Traits and behaviors that define this species.
Multi-generation migration
No single monarch completes the full migration cycle.
Milkweed dependence
Caterpillars feed exclusively on milkweed plants.
Natural defense
Milkweed toxins make monarchs distasteful to predators.
Iconic coloration
Bright wings signal warning colors across habitats.
Diet & Feeding
Primary food sources and foraging behaviors tailored to their environment.
Milkweed larvae
Caterpillars feed only on milkweed leaves.
Nectar adults
Adult butterflies feed on nectar from flowering plants.
Stage-specific needs
Every life stage depends on healthy plant communities.
Habitat & Range
Monarchs occupy a vast range but require specific plants and seasonal refuges.
Breeding grounds
Fields, meadows, and gardens across Canada and the U.S.
Eastern overwintering
High-elevation forests of central Mexico.
Western overwintering
Coastal California groves and sheltered habitats.
Milkweed corridors
Connected landscapes allow migration and reproduction.
Geographic Distribution
Historical vs. current territory mapping.
Historical Decline
Monarch numbers have dropped steeply over the last several decades.
Habitat conversion
Agriculture and development replaced milkweed.
Herbicide use
Widespread spraying eliminated host plants.
Forest loss
Overwintering habitats shrank due to deforestation.
Why This Species Is Endangered
Primary threats and pressure points.
Milkweed loss
Without host plants, reproduction stalls.
Fragmented corridors
Disrupted routes reduce migration success.
Climate instability
Weather extremes disrupt timing and survival.
Overwintering risks
Forest degradation reduces winter shelter.
Why Monarch Butterfly Matters
The ecological role and why conservation matters.
Monarchs help pollinate flowering plants.
Population shifts signal wider ecosystem stress.
Migration inspires conservation awareness across borders.
What Can Be Done
Actions that support conservation and awareness.
Add host plants and nectar sources locally.
Limit herbicide use that kills milkweed.
Advocate for connected green spaces.
Track seasonal needs to protect habitat.
Conservation & Recovery
Status, efforts, and organizations protecting this species.
Current Status
Eastern migratory populations are endangered and western populations are critically endangered.
Recovery Efforts
Milkweed restoration
Planting native milkweed along migration routes.
Nectar habitats
Restoring flowering meadows and gardens.
Forest protection
Safeguarding overwintering sites in Mexico and California.
International coordination
Cross-border conservation partnerships.
Organizations Protecting Monarch Butterfly
Monarch Joint Venture
Coordinates U.S. conservation, research, and habitat work.
Xerces Society
Protects pollinators through science-based habitat restoration.
World Wildlife Fund
Supports protection of overwintering forests in Mexico.
Environment and Climate Change Canada
Leads monarch recovery planning in Canada.
Metro Prep students research monarchs and write for the Wild, Not Gone book, learning how migration, habitat, and human choices are interconnected.