Monarchs can be found in open areas in all regions of Florida year-round. Monarchs migrating from the north to winter in Mexico can be seen passing through the Florida panhandle in October and November. Monarchs are strong fliers. They often flap slowly and then glide. They rest with their wings folded, but bask with them open.
Monarchs breed successively.
Females lay their eggs only on the leaves, stems, and flowers of milkweed plants . The caterpillars are banded in rings of black, yellow, and white. They have two long black filaments just behind the head and two shorter ones at the end of the abdomen. The caterpillars eat the milkweed leaves, flowers, and smaller stems. Some milkweed plants are toxic and the poison consumed by the caterpillar protects the butterflies from most predators.