The Viceroy looks very much like a Monarch. There are several differences, but the two most immediately obvious are size and a a black postmedian band across the hindwing. The wingspan of a Viceroy is 2 5/8 to 3 inches, and a Monarch is 3 1/2 to 4 inches. To translate what a black postmedian band is, it's a black stripe on the lower wing. This black stripe can be faint or lacking.
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A Monarch for comparison
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12 comments:
Hi Kayleen,
What great shots of these butterflies. You reminded me I need to check out some Monarch butterfly spots just about now on the coast of California...
That butterfly with thistle was so beautiful!
My V entries are here and here. Please drop by if you have time. Thanks.
I'll bet I'd still get them mixed up. :-D Beautiful shots!
Very nice! Love the contrast of the orange butterfly and the lavender flower in the last photo.
This summer I spotted what I thought was a monarch and followed it all around the pond trying to get a good shot. It wasn't until I got the photos on the laptop that I realized that is was a viceroy. Nice post for a snowy day..
A beautiful creature and the perfect 'V'.
so that one is called the viceroy butterfly?! i've seen them flutter in many gardens here but never knew what they are called until today! lol! thanks for the lesson on butterflies!
btw, mine is here: http://seasons.pinoyvibes.net/2008/12/17/v-is-for-vow/. hope you can visit too!
happy wednesday!
Stunning photos, Kayleen! You know the V would have been a good letter on a Dutch blog for these butterflies too. The word butterfly is "vlinder"in Dutch.
Brilliant macros!
I know Monarchs, but had never heard of the Viceroy - beautiful creature!
Great choise of V.
Very nice !
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