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Viceroy

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description Viceroy Overview

The Viceroy (Limenitis archippus) is a brush-footed butterfly found across most of the contiguous United States, southern Canada, and parts of Mexico. It was long cited as a textbook example of Batesian mimicry because Viceroys were thought to be harmless mimics of the toxic Monarch butterfly. Subsequent research demonstrated that Viceroys are themselves unpalatable to predators, making the relationship a case of Müllerian mimicry. Viceroys can be distinguished from Monarchs by a black line crossing the hindwing.

help Viceroy FAQ

How can you tell a Viceroy butterfly from a Monarch?

The Viceroy, Limenitis archippus, resembles the Monarch, Danaus plexippus, but usually has a distinct black transverse line crossing the hindwings. Viceroys are also generally smaller and belong to a different butterfly family.

Is Viceroy mimicry Batesian or Müllerian?

It was traditionally described as Batesian mimicry, with a harmless Viceroy copying a toxic Monarch. Research has shown that Viceroys can also be unpalatable, so the relationship is often interpreted as Müllerian mimicry or as varying by population.

Where do Viceroy butterflies live?

Viceroys occur across most of the contiguous United States, southern Canada, and parts of Mexico. They are especially associated with wet habitats where willow and related host plants grow.

What do Viceroy caterpillars eat?

Viceroy caterpillars feed mainly on willow-family plants, including species of Salix and poplar. Their association with willow also contributes to the chemical defenses that complicate the traditional Monarch mimicry explanation.

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