Viceroy

Limenitis archippus

In each life stage, the Viceroy uses a different trick to protect itself from predators. The egg blends with the numerous galls (swellings caused by infection) that afflict the willow leaves upon which it is laid. Hibernating caterpillars hide themselves in bits of leaves they have attached to a twig. The mature caterpillar looks mildly fearsome with its hunched and horned foreparts. Even most birds pass over the chrysalis, thinking it is a bird dropping. Finally, the adult resembles Monarch, a very bad-tasting butterfly. Since birds learn to avoid Monarchs, they also avoid the look-alike Viceroy.

Look For : Wings similar to the Monarch, but somewhat smaller and darker with a crosswise black line on each wing.

Length : 3".

Habitat : Meadows, fields, wetlands.

Range : Widespread.