Monarch Butterflies

Male or female monarch?

Last updated: December 04, 2025

Do you know how to tell male and female monarchs apart?

With some species, it's very easy to tell males and females apart. Think about the antlers on a deer or the male Northern Cardinal's distinct red color, for example.

While it's not always as easy to spot the small details that set apart male and female monarchs, they're there if you know what to look for. Take a look at the graphic below for our guide to telling them apart!

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