I saw plenty of butterflies on my most recent trip to Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge. One of my favorites was this lovely, resting Viceroy butterfly.
Resting Viceroy butterfly at Sequoyah NWR – Canon R7, handheld, f8, 1/1250, ISO 800, -1.0 EV, Canon EF 100-400mm II at 400mm, natural light
I found the Viceroy resting on some leaves along a forested area of the auto tour road. The black and orange butterfly actually stood out, impossible to miss against the greenery.
Viceroy butterflies can be confused with Monarch butterflies. Both have similar orange and black coloring, and at a glance they look almost identical.
The easiest way to tell them apart is that Viceroys have a black line that runs across their hindwings, which Monarchs don’t have. Viceroys are also a bit smaller than Monarchs if you see them side by side.
Their coloring isn’t just for show either, it helps keep them safe. Their diet includes plants that make them taste bad to predators, and the bright orange and black wings are a warning sign.
I would have been delighted to have a Monarch resting right next to this Viceroy butterfly for comparison, but that wasn’t meant to be.
It won’t be all that long before we see the last of the butterflies for this year, so I plan on photographing them as often as I can.
I had been needing time out in the field. I’m glad I went to the refuge.
Life is good.
Mia
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Wonderful pic. The detail is really tight; especially with the leaves around the butterfly. I certainly would confuse the Viceroy with a Monarch and appreciate your narrative pointing out the difference. You are a great teacher. Thanks Mia.
Life is good indeed 🤗
At home we’ve been enjoying watching Great Spangled Fritillaries feeding on the many blossoms of a native thistle.
Very beautifull 👍
Glad you went to the refuge too, and thanks for sharing.