Queen
Danaus gilippus (Cramer, 1775)
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.
Queen, Knox County, Jen Corman






