Most of the Danaini are found in tropical Asia and Africa, while the Ithomiini are diverse in the Neotropics.

[2] The fossil milkweed butterfly Archaeolycorea is known from the Oligocene or Miocene Tremembé Formation of Brazil.

[citation needed] Larvae have thoracic tubercles and use plants within the family Apocynaceae that often contain latex-like compounds in the stem as hosts.

[3] The extensive modification of landscapes in the United States and Canada, large-scale use of pesticides, and increased deforestation in Mexico threaten the migratory monarch butterfly.

[4] Loss of native plants, such as milkweed species, contributes to the declined population of the migratory monarch butterfly.