The
monarch butterfly or simply
monarch (
Danaus plexippus) is a
milkweed butterfly (
subfamily Danainae) in the family
Nymphalidae. Other common names depending on region include
milkweed,
common tiger,
wanderer, and
black veined brown. It may be the most familiar North American butterfly, and is considered an iconic
pollinator species. Its wings feature an easily recognizable black, orange, and white pattern, with a wingspan of The
viceroy butterfly is similar in color and pattern, but is markedly smaller and has an extra black stripe across each hind wing.