Mimicry

I am on a butterfly photography mission these days and getting images of both new species and old friends. Among the old friends is the Viceroy butterfly. At first glance this is appears to be a Monarch but a couple things distinguish it from the Monarch. It is smaller and does not float in flight like a Monarch. It will will allow you to get a good look at it when its resting, something a Monarch rarely does. When looking at it the bar on the rear wing becomes obvious, something the Monarch does not have. There are lots of them around. The next time you are watching butterflies consider: Is that big orange butterfly a Monarch or Viceroy?