The wings of this species have decorative appeal similar to that of a peacock feather and are sometimes used to make jewelry. A native of the Sunda Island Group and of the numerous Melanesian islands. It also occurs in northern Australia. The telegonius species is slightly smaller but has more iridesence on the hindwings. In the fall, millions of Monarchs fly from as far north as Canada to warmer roosting spots in Mexico and California to wait out the winter.
Thousands sometimes gather on the wet mud of a river bank to sip moisture.
Many variations of this butterfly are distributed throughout Asia and India. The brightly colored caterpillars can be found on many plants, notably on fennel and carrot leaves. The yellow and black species are commonly called tiger swallotails. Like the monarch, this species also undertakes long migratory flights. Distributed widely throughout Asia and Africa.