Monarch (Danaus plexippus)

When to see: Last sighted in October

Where to see: Anywhere rich with nectar plants including gardens, in its normal range a wide range of habitats are used.

Behaviour: Migratory

Wingspan: 105-112mm

Caterpillar food plant: In its normal range Milkweed (Asclepias ssp.) is used, which does not occur in Britain.

Cheshire status: This butterfly is a great rarity in Cheshire. The only confirmed sighting of a genuine immigrant in the past 50 years is of a single butterfly near Nantwich in early October 1999.

This butterfly is a great rarity in Cheshire with the only confirmed sighting of a genuine immigrant in the past 50 years recorded near Nantwich in 1949.