Viceroy
Common NameViceroy
Scientific NameLimenitis archippus
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyLimenitidinae
Wingspan (mm)75
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsorange, black, white
HabitatMeadows, wetlands, open areas near water, forest edges
Geographic RangeNorth America (southern Canada, most of the US, northern Mexico)
Host Plantswillow, poplar, cottonwood
Flight PeriodMay to October (multiple broods)
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are cryptic, resembling bird droppings, and feed on willow, poplar, and cottonwood leaves. They overwinter as partially grown larvae in a hibernaculum made from a rolled leaf.
Identification TipsKey identification feature is the distinct black submarginal line that crosses the hindwing, which is absent in the similar-looking Monarch butterfly. Viceroys are also generally smaller than Monarchs.
Description
The Viceroy butterfly has orange wings with prominent black veins, a distinct black submarginal line across the hindwing, and a row of small white spots along the black wing margins.
