The Viceroy is famous as a textbook example of Müllerian mimicry, closely resembling the toxic Monarch butterfly but with a distinctive black postmedian line across its hindwings. For decades it was considered a Batesian mimic, but research has shown the Viceroy is also unpalatable to birds. Its caterpillar cleverly overwinters in a rolled leaf tube tied to the branch.
Habitat
Moist habitats near willows, meadow edges, and roadsides
Diet
Larvae: willow, poplar, and cottonwood leaves. Adults: carrion, dung, nectar
How common
Common
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