Danaus plexippus plexippusCommon name: Monarch
Distribution: Occurs from Perth to Cape Leewin. There are populations at a number of other Western Australian localities, usually around populated areas.
Description: Wingspan up to 93 millimetres.
Notes: Occurs in a wide variety of habitats. The caterpillars are known to feed on Asclepias physocarpa, Gomphocarpus cancellatus, Calotropis gigantea, Stapelia grandiflora, Stapelia variegata and Araujia hortorum.
References: The Complete Guide to Butterflies of Australia. Michael F Braby. 2004
This is the Monarch caterpillar. Photograph courtesy of Janelle Davies.
This is the pupa as it is changing from a caterpillar into a butterfly.
