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Here is some information I found that I thought was interesting.

Viceroy butterflies are slightly smaller than monarchs and have the same orange colored wings with black veins and white spots along the wing borders. What make the viceroy distinguishable from the monarch is the extra black vein line that curves across the hind wing. Most predators steer clear of the monarch butterfly because their diet of milkweed makes them distasteful as food. The viceroy's impersonation of the monarch butterfly keeps it safe, even though the viceroy's diet is not milkweed. Viceroy butterflies feed on a variety of weed and flower nectars, over ripe fruits on or under fruit trees and they enjoy the taste of tree sap. This sweet flavored diet would make the viceroy a tasty treat for predatory birds, if they could discern between the imposter and the real milkweed fed monarch. The viceroy uses impersonation for protection throughout it's entire life cycle. The eggs of the viceroys impersonate leaf growths on tree and shrub stems to keep the tiny eggs camouflaged and safe from predators. The viceroy butterfly usually lays it's eggs in marshy areas or near water where predators abound, the clever impersonation keeps the eggs safe. When the eggs of the viceroy hatch, a fearsome looking horned caterpillar emerges to feed on the marshy areas growth. The intimidating looking horns of the caterpillar are for show only, the real deterrent for predators is the bitter salicylic acid in the caterpillar's body. Willow leaves are the preferred food of the viceroy's horned caterpillar. If willow trees are not available, fruit tree, aspen and poplar tree leaves are the caterpillars next choice for food. When it's time for the horned viceroy caterpillar to form it's cocoon, it does so in plain view on a tree branch. The chrysalides impersonate bird droppings to keep themselves safe throughout their winter hibernation. The viceroy butterfly and their caterpillars can be seen from early spring through early fall and are abundant in most of the United States, thanks to their clever impersonation tactics that keep them safe and prolific. In the south, where Kentucky has named the viceroy it's state butterfly, the viceroy's wings are deeper shade of orange, more of a reddish brown color with the telltale extra black, curved black vein line. Impersonation is said to be the highest form of a compliment, for the viceroy, it's also a life saver.

Thank you for commenting.

Tigs♥ =^..^=