Monarch Butterfly Larva (First Instar)

Description:

The First Instar Larva of the Monarch Butterfly, Danaus plexippus, is immediately recognizable by two non-venomous "horns" on either side of the caterpillar and the yellow, black, and white stripes visible even on the head. The larva here, which was only a few millimeters long, can be seen eating a Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), though the bite marks were only a few bits of the milkweed, not even visible from the other side of the leaf.

Habitat:

Danaus plexippus feeds on Milkweed (Asclepias sp.).

Notes:

I can't wait until he is big enough to begin rearing! Too small now, though! I would lose him/her in an instant!