Monarch butterfly vs Plain tiger
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell a monarch butterfly from a plain tiger, and whether either one bites or stings.
Monarch butterfly
Danaus plexippus
Plain tiger
Danaus chrysippus
≠The key differences
Monarch has stronger black veins across the orange wings and a different pattern of white spotting on the margin; monarchs also have a more northern-temperate distribution and characteristic migration in North America.
⚖︎Side by side
| Monarch butterfly | Plain tiger | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Harmless to touch | Non-toxic to touch |
| Size | 8.5-10 cm wingspan | 6-8 cm wingspan |
| Colours | Orange, Black, White, Green (chrysalis), Gold (chrysalis spots) | Orange, Black, White, Yellow |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Nymphalidae |
| Habitat | Open fields, meadows, roadsides, gardens and wherever milkweed and nectar plants grow; forested overwintering groves in Mexico and coastal California. | Open areas, savanna, farmland margins, roadsides, gardens and disturbed sites where host plants (milkweeds) grow. |
| Range | Native to the Americas; migratory populations in North America. Introduced or established in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii and parts of the Pacific and Atlantic islands. | Widespread across sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa, southern Europe (occasionally), large parts of South and Southeast Asia, and northern Australia. |
| Active | Active spring through fall in temperate zones; year-round in some tropical and subtropical regions. Diurnal (active during daylight). | Year-round in tropical regions; most active during warm daylight hours. Peak season depends on local climate. |
| Pest? | No | No |
🔍How to spot a monarch butterfly
- Large orange wings with thick black veins and a black border dotted with white spots.
- Males have a distinct pair of black scent patches on the hindwings; females lack these and have heavier black veining.
- Caterpillars with alternating bands of white, yellow and black and three pairs of fleshy filaments (two near the head, one near the rear).
🔍How to spot a plain tiger
- Bright orange wings with thick black margins and white spots on the border.
- Forewing often shows a black discal spot (variation exists between regional forms).
- Caterpillars have distinctive black, yellow and white banding with three pairs of black fleshy filaments.
- Wingspan about 6-8 cm; no heavy black veining like the monarch (Danaus plexippus).
?Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a monarch butterfly and a plain tiger?
Monarch has stronger black veins across the orange wings and a different pattern of white spotting on the margin; monarchs also have a more northern-temperate distribution and characteristic migration in North America.
Is a monarch butterfly or a plain tiger more dangerous?
Monarch butterfly: Harmless to touch. Plain tiger: Non-toxic to touch. Monarchs are not dangerous to humans. Adults do not sting or bite and are not dangerous.
Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.