Monarch butterfly vs Queen butterfly
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell a monarch butterfly from a queen butterfly, and whether either one bites or stings.
Monarch butterfly
Danaus plexippus
Queen butterfly
Danaus gilippus
≠The key differences
Queen is darker, more reddish-brown and lacks the strong black vein pattern; ranges overlap in some areas.
Monarch is usually brighter orange with more pronounced black veins and larger overall size; monarchs have a more contrasting pattern.
⚖︎Side by side
| Monarch butterfly | Queen butterfly | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Harmless to touch | Non-toxic |
| Size | 8.5-10 cm wingspan | Wingspan 65-90 mm |
| Colours | Orange, Black, White, Green (chrysalis), Gold (chrysalis spots) | Orange-red, Dark brown, Black, White |
| 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 fields, meadows, roadsides, gardens, savanna and edges of woodlands where host plants (milkweeds and related species) 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. | Southern United States (especially Florida, Texas, Arizona and southern California), the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America and large parts of South America |
| Active | Active spring through fall in temperate zones; year-round in some tropical and subtropical regions. Diurnal (active during daylight). | Most active in warm months; in warm climates may be present year-round. Diurnal (active during the day). |
| 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 queen butterfly
- Darker, more reddish-orange wings than the monarch with less distinct black venation
- Black border with white marginal spots on forewing and hindwing
- Caterpillars with alternating black, white and yellow bands and three pairs of black filaments
?Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a monarch butterfly and a queen butterfly?
Queen is darker, more reddish-brown and lacks the strong black vein pattern; ranges overlap in some areas. Monarch is usually brighter orange with more pronounced black veins and larger overall size; monarchs have a more contrasting pattern.
Is a monarch butterfly or a queen butterfly more dangerous?
Monarch butterfly: Harmless to touch. Queen butterfly: Non-toxic. Monarchs are not dangerous to humans. Adult Queen butterflies do not bite or sting and are safe to handle gently.
Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.