Soldier Butterfly (Danaus eresimus)
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
Solder 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 |
Solder Butterfly Photographs
Soldier Butterfly ... wings open |
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Soldier Butterfly ... wings closed |
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Photo by and courtesy of Alan Schmierer |