MONARCH BUTTERFLY Definition & Meaning

monarch butterfly

[ mon-erk buht-er-flahy, mon-ahrk ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a large, deep-orange butterfly, Danaus plexippus, having black and white markings, the larvae of which feed on the leaves of milkweed: highly valued as a pollinator, the monarch butterfly is currently not evaluated by the IUCN, but the protection of the species and its habitat is central to several conservation efforts.

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�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of monarch butterfly¹

First recorded in 1885–90

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The Western population of the monarch butterfly has declined to a near-record low with fewer than 10,000 found living in California this winter, a foreboding sign for the future of the beloved black-and-orange insect.

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Federal wildlife officials on Tuesday moved to add the monarch butterfly to its endangered species roster, citing decades of steep population decline of the striking black-and-orange insect.

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If they do get dirty, they’re machine washable, and they come in myriad colors and designs, from camo to monarch butterflies.

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A bonus was a yard full of fragrance and endangered monarch butterflies.

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And then she met a man at the farmer’s market who introduced her to the plants that help endangered monarch butterflies survive.

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