Corel Draw Photographic Images CD-ROM
Link provided by: The Butterfly Website.
These images are provided courtesy of The Butterfly Website
Summary
The Viceroy is often mistaken for the Monarch.Apologies for the confusion with the scientific names above.. Basilarchis is a sub-genus, and I am uncertain which name takes precedence as of this time.
Eggs are oval, somewhat compressed, usually found on Willows (Salix), which is the prefered host plant, but may be found on Poplars and aspens (Populus), apples (Malus), and cherries/plums (Prunus).
Larva are brown or olive, with a saddle-shaped patch on it's back, and a humped-shape to it's front. It is capable of hibernating in larva stage over the winter, using bits of leaves and twigs to form a temporary cocoon, from which it will emerge in spring to finish its growth cycle.
Pupa are brown or cream-colored. Both have a rounded disk projecting from it's back.
Viceroys prefer meadows, edges of woods, and streams. Sometimes may be found near roadsides. It is a flighty butterfly, easy to startle. It's range is most of the united states, with exceptions generally on the west coast and north of Hudson Bay.
In all stages of its life cycle, it uses mimicry to defend itself. From egg to adult.
Page last updated: Oct. 21,1997