Viceroy
The Viceroy (Limenitis archippus) has a 2-1/2 to 3-3/8 inch wingspan. It is uniformly orange with a black postmedian band on the hindwing. They can be distinguished from Monarchs and Queens in flight by their smaller size and less powerful wingbeats. They often glide on flat wings, while Monarchs and Queens hold their wings in a "V."
These butterflies are found in open areas adjacent to wet areas with willow trees. They are considered common in abundance, but are uncommon to rare in poor soil areas. They have 2 broods and are found from April/May to October north to Philadelphia, West Virginia, Ohio, Illinois, Missouri, and Kansas. They are found from June to September northward. Their major food plant are the willows, particularly small shrubby species.
The Viceroy is a well-known mimic of the Monarch. It was previously believed that birds avoided eating Viceroys because they confused them with the distasteful Monarchs, but recent evidence suggests that Viceroys are also distasteful to birds.
These butterflies are found in open areas adjacent to wet areas with willow trees. They are considered common in abundance, but are uncommon to rare in poor soil areas. They have 2 broods and are found from April/May to October north to Philadelphia, West Virginia, Ohio, Illinois, Missouri, and Kansas. They are found from June to September northward. Their major food plant are the willows, particularly small shrubby species.
The Viceroy is a well-known mimic of the Monarch. It was previously believed that birds avoided eating Viceroys because they confused them with the distasteful Monarchs, but recent evidence suggests that Viceroys are also distasteful to birds.