Monarch and Sphinx Moth on Showy Milkweed Flowers
_with_monarch_on_showy_milkweed_01_(14610510130).jpg)
This photo shows a monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) and a white lined sphinx moth (Hyles lineata) on flowers of showy milkweed (Asclepias speciosa).
The monarch butterfly depends specifically on Asclepias species for the larval (caterpillar) form of its lifecycle. The flowers also support the adults with nectar, although adult butterflies are less picky about nectar sources and will also visit numerous other flowers.
This image is featured in our article on Invasive Herbs for Herbal Tea.
