description Soldier Butterfly Overview
The soldier butterfly, Danaus eresimus, is a milkweed butterfly found from southern Texas through Central America and into South America. It is an orange-brown member of the family Nymphalidae and is related to the monarch and other Danaus butterflies. Its appearance participates in Müllerian mimicry complexes involving other toxic or distasteful danaine species, while its caterpillars depend on milkweed relatives for food.
help Soldier Butterfly FAQ
What is the scientific name of the soldier butterfly?
The soldier butterfly is Danaus eresimus. It is an orange-brown milkweed butterfly in the family Nymphalidae.
Where can the soldier butterfly be found?
Its range extends from southern Texas through Central America and into South America. It is therefore a tropical and subtropical relative of the monarch across much of the Americas.
Is the soldier butterfly related to the monarch?
Yes. The soldier butterfly belongs to the genus Danaus, the same genus that includes the monarch butterfly.
How can the soldier butterfly be recognized?
It is generally orange-brown and has the characteristic wing pattern of a Danaus milkweed butterfly. Its appearance helps distinguish it from the monarch and other related Danaus species.
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