Viceroy

(Limenitis archippus)

Viceroy sightings by week

Viceroy sightings, by week (about)

ViceroyClick to enlarge

Northeast of West Bloomfield, Waushara Co., WI, July 23, 2005.

ViceroyClick to enlarge

Northeast of West Bloomfield, Waushara Co., WI, July 23, 2005.

The Viceroy is a mimic of the Monarch and can easily be confused with it, especially in flight. The Viceroy is smaller, is found along wetland areas where its host plants, willows, are found, and has a dark postmedian line on the hindwing that can be seen from above or below. This butterfly, like the Monarch, is also found commonly throughout Wisconsin.

Identifying characteristics: Essentially the same above and below the Viceroy is an orange butterfly with heavy black veins, including one through the middle of the hind wings, and has white spots in the black margins of the wings.

Similar species: The Monarch is similar but is larger and lacks the dark postmedian line that is found in the Viceroy.

Habitat: Wetland areas, especially along streams, where willows, its host plants are found.

Flight: Two broods. Late May through July and then late July into September.

Abundance: Although it is common throughout the state, this butterfly is not usually seen in large numbers

Recent Viceroy Sightings

Date seenCountyReported by
TuesdayDodgeAndy Paulios
MondayDaneJorgen Goderstad
SundayWoodRon Arnold
SundayWashingtonDan Foster
SundayWoodRon Arnold
08–23–2008GreenCraig Ellefson
08–23–2008WausharaMike Reese
08–22–2008DaneTod Highsmith
08–21–2008DaneTod Highsmith
08–19–2008MarquetteMike Reese
08–18–2008WoodMike Reese
08–17–2008GreenCraig Ellefson
08–17–2008DaneJorgen Goderstad
08–17–2008MarquetteMike Reese
08–17–2008BayfieldRyan Brady
08–17–2008BayfieldRyan Brady
08–17–2008MarinetteAdrian Konell
08–16–2008JuneauMike Reese
08–16–2008ShawanoRose Tiegs
08–15–2008ColumbiaMike Reese
08–14–2008PortageMike Reese
08–13–2008DaneJorgen Goderstad
08–13–2008WoodRon Arnold
08–11–2008IowaAnn Thering
08–10–2008WoodRon Arnold
08–10–2008GreenJeanette Klodzen
08–10–2008BayfieldRyan Brady
08–10–2008MilwaukeeJudith Huf

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distribution of Viceroy
Map key

Viceroy
Limenitis archippus