Viceroy Butterfly Caterpillar makes short order of the leaves of this willow
The Viceroy Butterfly (Limenitis archippus) practices mimicry. One theory is that the Müllerian relationship with the milkweed butterflies helps keep the numbers of both species up by fooling birds into thinking they are all rather toxic, so less are eaten as appetizers.
From a distance, hard to distinguish from a monarch or queen, the black line across the hindwing is the giveaway
And, it may just be that all these species are unpleasant to eat. Mind you, I’m not tasting any of them soon, especially since the Viceroy adults are fond of feeding on rotten fruit, feces and carrion.
Ventral view
In Florida, they take on the coloring of the Monarch and Queen butterflies depending upon location within the state. These two milkweed butterflies build up toxins from their host, making them distasteful to predators. Viceroys are said to have a bitter taste from the salicylic acid consumed on its own larval host, the Willow (Salix spp.), Poplar and Cottonwood (Populus spp.), so they have their own off-taste, though it may not be as toxic as the Danaus genus of milkweed eaters.
The caterpillars look a little like bird droppings
The Viceroy has several subspecies giving it a wide and varied range across the United States and Canada. Another interesting aspect of the Viceroy butterfly is the fact that it forms occasional natural hybrids with the red spotted purple (Limenitis astyanax), who’s range covers the eastern half of the US. Although the same genus of butterfly, they are a mimic and a non-mimic. Gives new meaning to embrace all your brothers and sisters.
Different caterpillar instars have different looks. This one is darker so the “saddle” is more prominent
A while ago when I spotted my first viceroy butterfly, I read up on what was needed in the way of a larval host. I then specifically purchased a native willow tree to put next to my pond, which encourages them to visit my garden. The same goes for other species of butterflies. Read up on what larval hosts will attract those butterflies that you’d like to see more of and plant it. I have been rewarded many times over, proving that if you plant it they will come.
© 2012, Loret T. Setters. All rights reserved. This article is the property of BeautifulWildlifeGarden.com If you are reading this at another site, please report that to us
About Loret T. Setters
Great info! We found a Viceroy in our garden a few weeks ago. It was feeding on some rotting watermelon
SouthernMeadows recently posted..Savor the Moment
Ahh, desirable feeding! Why are mine always on dog poop?
Truth be told they don’t often get that opportunity. I mostly see them back at the willow, looking to lay those eggs!
Thanks for stopping by!
Loret recently posted..New Life List Dragonfly
I’m always fascinated by these small worlds. Thanks for sharing.
Kathy Sturr of The Violet Fern recently posted..Eight, Nine, Ten Picks for Diana!
I have not spotted viceroys here but there are no native willows close by. But I am planting more larval host plants to attract many different butterflies…love this caterpillar..very cool looking.
Donna Donabella recently posted..Surrender
Hi Donna!
I was rather fascinated by the unique look at the cat. I’m not sure what made that first viceroy wander through a while back, but I’m sure glad it did. Willow was a perfect addition for my oft over-the-banks pond and I’m reaping the reward of higher populations of that pretty butterfly.
Loret recently posted..New Life List Dragonfly
I have never seen a Viceroy cat..& I’m not sure I’ve ever seen the butterfly.. Your garden provides endless fascination..Thanks for sharing!