Common name : Viceroy butterfly
Scientific name : Limenitis archippus
Family : Nymphalidae
Native to : North America
Interesting fact : The orange and black pattern of this butterfly mimics that of the monarch butterfly.
With a wingspan ranging from 53-81 mm, the viceroy can be differentiated from the monarch by its size and also by the black line that runs across its hind wings. While the diet of the adult butterfly is comprised solely of nectar from milkweeds, thistles and other flowers, the caterpillar feeds on the trees of the willow, poplar and cottonwoods family. The viceroy mimics the look and colour of other poisonous insects so as to avoid predators.
