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Species Danaus gilippus - Queen

Chrysalis - Danaus gilippus Queen chrysalis - Danaus gilippus Queen - Danaus gilippus - male - female Queen Butterfly - Danaus gilippus - female First Queen I've Seen. And a First for California. - Danaus gilippus - male First Queen I've Seen. And a First for California. - Danaus gilippus - male yellow, black & white caterpillar - Danaus gilippus Queen Butterfly - Danaus gilippus - male
Show images of: caterpillars · adults · both
Classification
Kingdom Animalia (Animals)
Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods)
Class Insecta (Insects)
Order Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
Superfamily Papilionoidea (Butterflies (excluding skippers))
Family Nymphalidae (Brushfooted Butterflies)
Subfamily Danainae (Milkweed Butterflies)
Genus Danaus
Species gilippus (Queen)
Size
Wingspan 6.7-9.8 cm
Identification
Similar to Monarch, but dark brown. See references for comparison with Soldier, Danaus eresimus.
Range
Southwestern, central, and southeastern United States, southward into Mexico, Central/South America. Somewhat migratory.
Habitat
Open areas with hostplants.
Season
All year in southern United States, July-August in northern part of range.
Food
Adults take nectar.
Life Cycle
Larva feed on Milkweeds, Asclepias, also other genera in milkweed and dogbane(?) families.
See Also
Relatives: Soldier, Monarch. Also the unrelated Viceroy.
Print References
Brock, p. 228 (1)
Glassberg, p. 144, plate 45 (2)
Scott, #90, fig. 51 (p. 134--larva) p. 231, plate 19 (3)
Internet References
Collection of photos & information from a variety of sources on Discover Life: Danaus gilippus
At Butterflies of North America: