Queen

Description:

Upperside is chestnut brown; black borders of forewings have 2 rows of white spots; white spots are scattered at the forewing apex. Underside of hindwing has black veins; black borders of both wings have 2 rows of white spots. Upperside of male hindwing has a black scale patch. Very similar to the Soldier (Danaus eresimus), but is more brown and has less defined wing veins on the upperside. Underside hindwing lacks band of pale spots present in the Soldier. Queens in the southwest (and sometimes in the southeast) have pale veins on the upperside of the hindwings, which are lacking in the Soldier. Wing Span: 2 5/8 - 3 7/8 inches (6.7 - 9.8 cm).

Habitat:

Fragrant mistflower in wildlife habitat yard.

Notes:

Having not seen very many butterflies over the summer, I was happy to see several varieties in the yard during the time the mistflower bloomed.