Author: Rocky Point Times

The Monarch Butterfly is easily recognized by their bright orange wings with black and white markings; resembling a stained glass window. When resting or feeding, the underside of the wings are visible displaying a drabber orange color. The males have a black spot on each of their hind wings; scent glands used to attract the female Monarch for mating. They use their antennas to smell flowers and a tube, called a proboscis, to suck water, and nectar from flowers. The Monarch’s wing span is about 3 1/2 to 4 inches. Monarch Caterpillars can be identified by their many yellow, black and white bands around their bodies.