Male Monarch Butterfly on Phlox paniculata

Caption: A Male Monarch Butterfly (Danaus Plexippus) spreads his mighty wings on Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata)

I couldn't resist sneaking in another picture of my last Monarch of '09. Most of the monarchs are very uncooperative during photo shoots, keeping their wings shut tighter than Fort Knox, or abruptly fluttering off to greener butterfly gardens. This one, however, couldn't have been more happy to pose for the camera... thanks little buddy!

Camera: Nikon D60 with 18-55mm Zoom lens.

Butterfly Facts: the fifth and final monarch generation of each season will live for around 9 months and take a fantastic journey that will end in a remote mountainous region of Mexico.