monarch butterfly

American  

[mon-erk buht-er-flahy, mon-ahrk] / ˈmɒn ərk ˌbʌt ərˌflaɪ, ˈmɒn ɑrk /

noun

1. a large, deep-orange butterfly, Danaus plexippus, having black and white markings, the larvae of which feed on the leaves of milkweed: highly valued as a pollinator, the monarch butterfly is currently not evaluated by the IUCN, but the protection of the species and its habitat is central to several conservation efforts.

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Etymology

Origin of monarch butterfly

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

Working with other volunteers, Smee has helped remove invasive plants and plant native species, including 30 oak trees that attract local wildlife like the endangered monarch butterfly, mountain lions and bobcats.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

Beyond cephalopods, xanthommatin is also found in insects within the arthropod group, contributing to the brilliant orange and yellow hues of monarch butterfly wings and the bright reds seen in dragonfly bodies and fly eyes.

From Science Daily • Nov. 3, 2025

Roswell residents know how to have fun, and the city hosts all kinds of annual festivals ranging from a summertime ice cream social and monarch butterfly celebration to outdoor movies.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 29, 2025

Or makeup artist Monste Ribé, nominated for “Society of the Snow,” whose gown seemed crafted of monarch butterfly wings.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 10, 2024

His smile falls, and he reaches out to touch the monarch butterfly on the cover.

From "The Last Cuentista" by Donna Barba Higuera