This caterpillar is approximately 2 inches in length. It is white with black and yellow stripes and has a wrinkled appearance. It has a pair of long, black filaments at the head and the rear. The chrysalis is pale jade green with metallic gold spots.
This caterpillar is commonly seen feeding on the leaves of milkweed plants. You will find them on plants with young leaves, as the butterfly will not lay eggs on old growth. The chrysalis can sometimes be seen attached to a plant stem or on a structure such as a fence or building.
The adult Monarch butterfly has a wingspan of 3 1/2 – 4 inches and is bright orange with black veins and margins and yellow and white spots on the wing borders. It is similar to the smaller Viceroy, but lacks the black crossband on the hindwing.
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