milkweed butterfly

noun

1. monarch butterfly.

Word History and Origins

Origin of milkweed butterfly¹

An Americanism dating back to 1875–80

Example Sentences

Naturalists recently witnessed several species of milkweed butterfly harassing, subduing and subsequently feeding on milkweed caterpillars, presumably to get their fill of toxic alkaloids inside the larvae.

From New York Times

It is a milkweed butterfly, and will serve as a good introduction to this new world of winged life.

From Project Gutenberg

The measure is taken to ensure that tens of thousands of purple milkweed butterflies are not hit by vehicles as they migrate.

From BBC

This butterfly has assumed almost the exact color and markings of the milkweed butterfly, which is distasteful to birds, and hence enjoys peculiar freedom from the attacks of enemies.

From Project Gutenberg

The caterpillar of the monarch or milkweed butterfly is a very striking creature.

From Project Gutenberg