Skip to main content
Close

Viceroy butterfly

Limenitis archippus

Photo by KarenL
Published on Project Noah
Zoom
NominateNominate for Wildlife Photograph of the Month
reportFlag Spotting

35.8987, -86.9624

Field Notes

Description:

The Viceroy Butterfly is a North American butterfly with a range from the Northwest Territories along the eastern edges of the Cascade Range and Sierra Nevada mountains, southwards into central Mexico.
Its wings feature an orange and black pattern, and over most of its range it is a mimic with the Monarch butterfly. It can be distinguished from the Monarch by its smaller size and the postmedian black line that runs across the veins on the hindwing.
The caterpillar feeds on trees in the willow family Salicaceae, including willows, poplars and cottonwoods. The caterpillars sequester the salicylic acid in their bodies, which makes them bitter, and upsets predators' stomachs. As further protection, the caterpillars, as well as their chrysalis stage, resemble bird droppings.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (1)

Though poisonous in it's own right, the Viceroy gains extra protection against predation by mimicking the more common Monarch. Added to Animals with Warning colors mission.

Accelerate our Mission to Photograph 
Every Species in the World!

Image
Butterflies icon

Wildlife Community

Wildlife Community

Join a worldwide community passionate about wildlife and nature!

Join Project Noah

Nature School

Nature School

Transform your green space into a curiosity-creating nature classroom!

Visit Nature School

Wildlife Game

Wildlife Game

Defend wildlife throughout the jungle in thrilling nature game!

Play Baboon