Queen Butterfly (male)

Description:

The Queen Butterfly (Danaus gilippus) is a North and South American butterfly in the family Nymphalidae with a wingspan of 70–88 mm (2.8–3.5 in). The male has a black androconial scent patch on its dorsal hindwings. Males patrol to search for females, who may mate up to 15 times a day.

Habitat:

It is found throughout the tropics and into the temperate regions of the Americas, Asia and Africa. It can be found in a variety of locations: depending on its habitat location, the butterfly can be found in meadows, fields, marshes, deserts, and at the edges of forests. Seen sipping nectar from low growing wild flowers on an open area beside a lake in NE Guatemala. Alt 5,000 ft.