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
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) |
![]() |
Soldier Butterfly (ventral view) |
![]() |
Photos by and courtesy of Alan Schmierer |
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" !