Parque Nacional da Gorongosa Moçambique

Description

African Monarch butterflies are common across Africa.  Related to the similar monarch butterfly, African Monarchs have bold black and white stripes and yellow spots. Their vibrant colors warn predators that they are dangerous to eat. The African Monarch caterpillars feed on milkweed, and their bodies absorb its poisons. These poisons cause severe illness in the animals that eat them. Some non-poisonous butterfly species mimic the bold colorations of the African Monarch to protect themselves by tricking predators into thinking that they too are toxic.

The African Monarchs, like all insects, have six legs and a head, thorax, and abdomen. They also have wings that stretch 3 to 4 inches and antennae.  Unlike moths, butterflies rest with their wings together. Therefore, the African Monarch has its warning coloration on both sides of its wings for protection. Butterfly wings are covered with tiny scales.  Male African Monarch butterflies have a velvety black scent spot in the middle of each hind wing that secretes scents used for courtship.

Monarch butterflies can be found anywhere milkweed plants thrive. They are slow flyers because they don’t have to flee from predators (they are rarely eaten by birds).  They prefer low vegetation, with males found near milkweed in search of females.  Females lay white to pale yellow, oval eggs on milkweed plants.

How to See

African Monarch butterflies are found in mixed acacia woodland and where milkweed plants grow.

Status

Africa: Common
Mozambique: Common
Gorongosa: Common

Conservation

Gorongosa National Park has an abundant population of African Monarch butterflies and no conservation actions are planned at this time.