I have share this information before. Actually, I think I share it every summer.
I love to photograph birds, but I equally enjoy capturing photos of butterflies. This butterfly is one of the wonders of nature, and I can’t help talking about it. I photographed the first beautiful butterfly earlier this past week. It is a Viceroy. If you observe this butterfly while on a hike, you will likely think you have seen a Monarch Butterfly. It is easy to mistake this species for a Monarch.
The second photo is of a Monarch butterfly. These two look so much alike. What is the difference?
- If you watch both of these fly, you will notice that they have a very different flying pattern. The Monarch has a more random, slow flight patern. They seem to ‘float’ more (sorry, I don’t have a good term for this). The Viceroy is faster, and more direct.
- The Viceroy tend to be smaller than the Monarch.
- Lastly, there is this difference in the wings that you can’t miss. The Viceroy has this extra ‘line’ (see the marked up photo).
So, next time you see a beautiful Monarch, take a closer look!!. Happy butterflying.
~ Rick
A late add: If you are interested in attracting more Monarch to your yard / garden check out this link: How to Grow and Care for Butterfly Weed
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