Monarch Butterfly

Description:

Its wings feature an easily recognizable orange and black pattern, with a wingspan of 8.9–10.2 centimetres (3½–4 in). Female Monarchs have darker veins on their wings, and the males have a spot called the "androconium" in the center of each hind wing from which pheromones are released. Males are also slightly larger.

Habitat:

Meadows, roadsides, and sandy areas wherever milkweeds grow throughout North America.

Notes:

This Monarch was found outside my home on a large butterfly bush in late summer 2010.