Watch Your Step Mr. Viceroy
This Viceroy butterfly (Limenitis archippus) landed almost squarely on a large spider web, but managed to wriggle free. But, it didn't seem in any hurry to fly away.
Viceroy butterflies strongly resemble Monarch butterflies, but are a bit smaller. Monarchs are 3 to 4 inches wide; Viceroys are 2.5 to 3 inches in width. Also, Viceroys have the black band across the hind wing, lacking in Monarchs. Supposedly, Viceroys mimic Monarchs because they are distasteful to birds. Maybe they are both distasteful! Regardless, both are beautiful, bright butterflies that can light up a garden or a meadow.
Seen at Pointe Mouilee.
Watch Your Step Mr. Viceroy
This Viceroy butterfly (Limenitis archippus) landed almost squarely on a large spider web, but managed to wriggle free. But, it didn't seem in any hurry to fly away.
Viceroy butterflies strongly resemble Monarch butterflies, but are a bit smaller. Monarchs are 3 to 4 inches wide; Viceroys are 2.5 to 3 inches in width. Also, Viceroys have the black band across the hind wing, lacking in Monarchs. Supposedly, Viceroys mimic Monarchs because they are distasteful to birds. Maybe they are both distasteful! Regardless, both are beautiful, bright butterflies that can light up a garden or a meadow.
Seen at Pointe Mouilee.