Danaus plexippus is the scientific name for the Monarch Butterfly. Related

species in the family are found on all continents except the polar

 regions, wherever milkweed and related plants are found. It also provides

 the Monarch with an intriguing form of protection, since the milkweed juices  assimilated by the Monarch make it poisonous to

 predatory birds. The beautiful orange color of the Monarch butterfly

 serves to teach predators that their intended meal might be toxic. Not

 all milkweeds produce cardiac glycosides, therefore not all Monarchs
are poisonous. However, the warning orange color serves to disguise
poisonous from the non-toxic Monarch

 Cuba, and Pacific Grove, as well as Newark, California. In sanctuaries

such as the one in Angangueo, Michoacan in Mexico there are millions

 of these gorgeous butterflies. From morning until about 1:00pm, they

 are most active.  You can see them flying around and almost blocking

 the sky. You will hear the fascinating sound of their wings flapping.

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In all the world, no butterflies migrate like the Monarchs of North America.
They travel much farther than all other tropical butterflies. They are the
only butterflies to make such a long, two way migration every year.
Amazingly, they fly in masses to the same winter roosts,  often to the exact
same trees. Their migration is more the type we expect from birds or whales.
However, unlike birds and whales,  individuals only make the round-trip
once. It is their children's grandchildren that return south the following fall.

I made my research at this site. If you wish to learn more about these

 wonderful butterflies please check here.

Created on July, 22, 2003