Queen (LEP112) Danaus gilippus

Milkweed butterflies, such as the Queen and Monarch, are often placed in the family Danaidae. The Queen has rich cinnamon wings with black borders and clusters of small white spots. The black patches on the hindwings produce chemical perfumes, and show that this individual is a male. He is nectaring on milkweed, the same plant that served as host to the caterpillar. In Florida, Viceroys have evolved a dark race to mimic the Queens.