Monarch Butterfly ... Danaus Plexippus
The monarch butterfly is a milkweed butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It may be the most familiar North American butterfly. Its wings feature an easily recognizable orange and black pattern, with a wingspan of 8.9–10.2 cm. A black spot on an inside surface of its hind wing distinguishes the male Monarch butterflies from the females that have no such spot. The monarch butterfly does not have lungs; breathing takes place through tiny vents in the thorax or abdomen called spiracles, and an organized arrangement of tubes called trachea distribute the oxygen through the Monarch’s body system. The wings flap slower than other butterflies at about 300 to 720 times a minute. Senses of smell and vision help the Monarch butterflies to assess its environment. They have a broad spectrum perception of colors and can see even the UV light that humans cannot.
