The Viceroy butterfly (Limenitis archippus) is nearly identical to the Monarch butterfly. It has orange-brown wings with dark black veins. A black line across the hind wing distinguishes it from the Monarch.
Its wingspan is in the 2.6" - 3.0" range.
It can be found over a wide geographical area, from southern Canada to central Mexico.
Host plants include cottonwoods, willows, aspen, cherry, apple, and plum.
| Stage | Typical Duration |
| Egg stage | 4 to 9 days |
| Caterpillar (larval) stage | 3 to 4 weeks |
| Chrysalis (pupal) stage | 7 to 14 days (except for overwintering pupae) |
| Adult butterfly stage | 6 to 14 days |
Viceroy Butterfly |
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Viceroy Butterfly (dorsal view) |
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Viceroy Butterfly (ventral view) |
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Similar to the Viceroy ... the Monarch Butterfly

Shown below is a spotting guide to butterflies that are similar in coloration and markings to the Monarch. Included are the Viceroy, Queen and Soldier ... the "Royal Court of Butterflies" !


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| Kaufman Field Guide to Butterflies of North America |
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