Species Page: Queen (Danaus gilippus)

Family: Nymphalidae (formerly Danaidae)

Status: Rare, possibly breeding, stray.

NENHP Ranking: Not listed

Range: This butterfly overwinters in extreme southern portions of the United States southward to Argentina. Nebraska roughly represents the northern limit to which it normally strays.

Larval Hostplant(s): Milkweeds (Asclepius sp.)

Broods/Flight Times: Nebraska records are from June 23 to October 19

Overwintering: This butterfly flies throughout the year in it’s “home” range but does not survive temperate winters.

Habitat: As a stray it might show up anywhere.

Avg. Wingspan: 2 5/8 – 3 7/8 inches

Found at:

Similar Species: Monarchs, Viceroys

Notes: Adults and larvae are distasteful due to the cardiac glycosides they ingest from milkweeds they consume as larvae.