Limenitis archippus

Identifying Features

Viceroy butterflies have a 2 1/2" to 3 1/2" wingspan. They are orange with black veins, white spots, and a black line across both hindwings making a “V” shape.

Habitat & Range

Viceroys are found in swamps, wet fields, and shrubland. Their range reaches throughout much of North America, except Alaska and Northern Canada.

Behavior

Viceroys eat fruit, carrion, fungi, goldenrods, and thistle.

Life Cycle

These butterflies lay 3 broods in a season. When the female deposits eggs, she will choose leaves that have not already been fed upon by other isects, and lay eggs in small groups.

Featured image by James Dake