monarkkiperhonen

Monarkkiperhonen (Danaus plexippus) is a butterfly of the family Nymphalidae, widely recognized for its orange wings with black veining and white spots along the margins. The species is best known for its long-distance migration in North America, where individuals travel between southern Canada and overwintering sites in central Mexico, and in some years to coastal California.

Description: Adults have wingspans of 8–13 cm; the upperside is bright orange with a black border, white-lobed forewing spots; the underside is more muted.

Ecology and life cycle: Monarchs lay eggs on milkweed plants (Asclepias spp.). The larvae feed exclusively on milkweed and sequester cardiac glycosides, which make the butterflies distasteful to predators. The life cycle includes egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult. In temperate regions, multiple generations occur each year; the migratory generations can live longer, allowing return migration.

Distribution and habitat: Native to North America; widely distributed across the United States and southern Canada; migratory populations rely on milkweed availability along migratory routes. Occasional vagrant sightings have been recorded in Europe, including Finland, but there are no established breeding populations.

Conservation: The species is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to declines linked to habitat loss, pesticide use, and degradation of overwintering forests in Mexico; climate change and disease (Ophryocystis elektroscirrha) also pose threats. Conservation efforts focus on preserving milkweed habitat, protecting overwintering areas, and monitoring populations.