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BugGuide Gathering
Smoky Mountains
University of Tennessee Biological Field Station
August 8-10, 2008
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Photos from the last gathering (Minnesota 2007)

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Species Danaus gilippus - Queen

The Queen - Danaus gilippus mating Queens - Danaus gilippus - male - female Queens or Soldiers? - Danaus gilippus - male - female Danaus gilippus Black Spotted Butterfly - Danaus gilippus Queen - Danaus gilippus Queen Butterfly - Danaus gilippus First Queen I've Seen. And a First for California. - 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)
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.
Print References
Glassberg, p. 144, plate 45 (2)
Scott, #90, fig. 51 (p. 134--larva) p. 231, plate 19 (3)