Insects
Monarch Butterfly
Danaus plexippus
Population
Decreasing
Range
North America, migrates to Mexico
Habitat
Open fields, meadows, milkweed habitats
Ecosystem role
Key pollinator; larvae depend exclusively on milkweed plants.
Fast facts
- ● Migrate up to 3,000 miles each year.
- ● Caterpillars only eat milkweed.
- ● Toxic to most predators due to milkweed diet.
Recent sightings
Norman Wildflower Meadow6/5/2026