Sunday, August 09, 2009


Monarch Butterfly, Danaus plexippus, Children's Garden, Quail Botanical Gardens. Monarch Butterflies are in the milkweed butterfly group (Danainae). They are strong fliers, capable of going great distances. Males have a small black spot in the middle of the back wing from which pheromones are emitted.

While, I remember feeling great wonder about monarch butterflies as a kid, even raising cocoons in a jar; I couldn't help but feel a little sad that this beautiful butterfly was in custody for our sakes.

1 comment:

compost in my shoe said...

Just so it had plenty of nectar to suck on!