The famous monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus), with its orange wings, black outlines, and white spots, can be seen within Red Rock Canyon during fall on its migration journey. These pollinators on the west coast work their way from Canada and head towards southern California in autumn and mate during the winter. Look for them perched on thistle, goldenrod, rabbitbrush, or milkweed plants when feeding in Red Rock Canyon. Monarchs have a poor taste to predators due to toxic substances they consume from milkweed. Scientists believe the flashy colors are used a toxic warning sign to predators.

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