Soldier Butterfly
Soldier Butterfly Size and Characteristics
The Soldier butterfly (Danaus eresimus), also known as the Tropical Queen, is just slightly smaller than the Monarch. The Soldier is an orange-brown color with white spots and black borders. It has similar colorations to the Queen and Viceroy butterflies.
Size: 3.2" - 3.4"
Host plants: milkweed species
Nectar plants: Butterfly Bush, Lantana, Zinnia
Soldier Butterfly Life Cycle Stages and Times
| Stage | Typical Duration |
| Egg stage | 4 to 6 days |
| Caterpillar (larval) stage | 2 to 3 weeks |
| Chrysalis (pupal) stage | 5 to 15 days (except for overwintering pupae) |
| Adult butterfly stage | 1 to 3 months |
Soldier Butterfly Photographs
Soldier Butterfly (dorsal view) |
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Soldier Butterfly (ventral view) |
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Photos by and courtesy of Alan Schmierer |
Side-by-side comparison of Monarch Butterfly Look-Alikes: Queen, Viceroy and Soldier
Shown below is a spotting guide to butterflies that are similar in coloration and markings to the Monarch. Included are the Viceroy, Queen and Soldier ... the "Royal Court of Butterflies" !
