🌿Native Nature

Monarch

Danaus plexippus

Taxonomy

Kingdom: Animalia ›Phylum: Arthropoda ›Class: Insecta ›Order: Lepidoptera ›Family: Nymphalidae ›Genus: Danaus

About

The monarch butterfly or simply monarch (Danaus plexippus) is a milkweed butterfly (subfamily Danainae) in the family Nymphalidae. Other common names depending on region include milkweed, common tiger, wanderer, and black veined brown. It may be the most familiar North American butterfly, and is considered an iconic pollinator species. Its wings feature an easily recognizable black, orange, and white pattern, with a wingspan of 8.9–10.2 cm (​3 1⁄2–4 in) The viceroy butterfly is similar in color and...

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the scientific name of Monarch?
The scientific name of Monarch is Danaus plexippus.
What is the conservation status of Monarch?
The Monarch has a conservation status of Least Concern.
What kingdom does Monarch belong to?
Monarch belongs to the kingdom Animalia.
What phylum does Monarch belong to?
Monarch belongs to the phylum Arthropoda.
What class does Monarch belong to?
Monarch belongs to the class Insecta.
What order does Monarch belong to?
Monarch belongs to the order Lepidoptera.
What family does Monarch belong to?
Monarch belongs to the family Nymphalidae.
What genus does Monarch belong to?
Monarch belongs to the genus Danaus.

In the News

Your Phone Can Already Detect Migrating Monarch Butterflies, but This App Lets You See Them

Birds aren’t the only migrators: Dozens of North American insect species also undertake long-distance journeys seasonally, including beetles, moths, and grasshoppers. Best known, and...

Audubon · 6/24/2026

New Scientist recommends Turi King's expert book about DNA's secrets

From clearing people convicted of murder to identifying a monarch's remains, Michael Le Page is fascinated by The Secrets of Our DNA, an insider's must-read book

New Scientist Life · 5/27/2026