Status: Breeding resident.

Distinguishing features: The viceroy is familiar as the classic mimic of the Monarch (Danaus plexippus). Like that species its wings are rusty-orange above with black veins, the forewing has a cross-band near the apex which contains white spots, and the under surface is similar but of a lighter shade of orange. The main difference is that the hind wing above has a black line crossing the veins in a perpendicular fashion.

Distribution and habitat: The viceroy is common throughout the state from a variety of open and wooded habitats.

Natural History: Larvae consume willows and aspens. The adults reach peak abundance just before the start of the monarch fall migration. Recent research have shown this species and the monarch to represent Muellerian mimics, as both have defensive compounds that make birds ill if consumed. Interspecific hybridization between it and the red-spotted purple can occur, although such progeny are extremely rare (Platt and Greenfield, 1971).