Not a Monarch

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Not a Monarch

July 2, 2015 by Mike Powell

A few years ago I probably would have misidentified this butterfly as a Monarch because of its coloration. Now, however, I can tell immediately that it is a Viceroy butterfly (Limenitis archippus), because there is a black stripe across the hindwings that the Monarch lacks.

I spotted this beautiful little butterfly this past Monday as I was searching for dragonflies and other creatures in a remote area of Huntley Meadows Park, the marshland area where I take many of my photos. A significant number of the areas that I like to visit are at least partially flooded. The month of June that we just ended turned was the second most rainy June on record for the region (and the rain has continued into July).

As I take more and more photos, I keep learning more and more about my subjects as I try to figure out what I have shot. What amazes me is that I manage to retain some of that information and can use it to identify a subject, as I did in this case. It’s not that easy most of the time (at least for me).

Posted in Butterflies, Insects, Macro Photography, Nature, Photography, wildlife | Tagged Alexandria VA, Canon 50D, Huntley Meadows Park, Limenitis archippus, monarch butterfly, Tamron 150-600mm telephoto, Viceroy, Viceroy butterfly | 8 Comments

8 Responses

on July 2, 2015 at 9:38 am | Reply New Hampshire Garden Solutions

I did misidentify this one as a monarch on my blog once, and doing so also seems to have improved my memory when it comes to viceroys and monarchs.
on July 2, 2015 at 10:34 am | Reply Ginny Alfano

Fascinating, Mike! I certainly would have misidentified the Viceroy as well. It’s nice that we can all give each other tidbits of information about the natural world that keeps us better educated :). I find that I can easily retain facts about all things that I love (birds, butterflies, dragonflies, etc.). but not so much for anything outside of nature. Funny how that works. I guess when we’re passionate about something, it comes easily. Have a great holiday weekend, Mike, and stay safe.
- on July 2, 2015 at 12:42 pm | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks, GInny. Have a wonderful 4th of July.
on July 2, 2015 at 10:38 am | Reply Jet Eliot

Truly stunning photo, Mike. And I agree with you, butterflies are challenging to ID — they often have similar coloration and markings, as you mention here, and they don’t stay still long enough to get good looks or photos.
- on July 2, 2015 at 12:44 pm | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks, Jet. I will usually try to get as many shots as I can and only puzzle over the identification later. I sometimes see birders with open books–I could never do that in the field.
on July 2, 2015 at 10:56 am | Reply Katherine Wikoff

Following your blog allows me to learn these things right along with you 😀 Thanks not only for the beautiful images but also for expanding my world!
- on July 2, 2015 at 12:44 pm | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks. It’s always a joy to share my new information and insights.
on July 5, 2015 at 9:49 am | Reply Birder's Journey

I always knew there was a “Monarch imposter” called a Viceroy, but didn’t know the difference between them till I read your post! Thanks!