Thanks to wikipedia for the distribution map
These stunning butterflies feed on Milkweeds including common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca). Many milkweeds contain cardiac glycosides which are stored in the bodies of both the caterpillar and the adult. These poisons are foul tasting and cause birds to vommit. After tasting a Monarch, a predator might associate the bright warning colors of the adult or caterpillar with an unpleasant meal, and avoid them in the future.
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