Hodges#4523
Limenitis archippus
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Superfamily: Papilionoidea
- Family: Nymphalidae
- Subfamily: Limenitidinae
- Tribe: Limenitidini
- Genus: Limenitis
- Species: archippus
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Limenitis archippus: //laɪˈmɛnɪtɪs ˈɑːrkɪpəs//
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Images
Summary
Limenitis archippus is a North American butterfly known for its mimicry of other unpalatable species. It has a wingspan of 53 to 81 mm, primarily inhabits moist areas, and has a lifecycle that includes two to three generations annually.
Physical Characteristics
Adult wingspan between 53 and 81 mm; orange wings with a distinguishing black line across hindwings. Larvae are hump-backed, olive green or brown with pinkish-white saddle, and have dark spiny horns on the thorax.
Identification Tips
Adult subspecies L. a. archippus can be distinguished from the Monarch butterfly by its smaller size and the presence of a black line on the hindwing. The black line on subspecies L. a. obsoleta is edged with white spots.
Habitat
Moist open or shrubby areas such as lake and swamp edges, wet meadows, willow thickets, and roadsides.
Distribution
Ranges throughout eastern North America except Newfoundland, from the Northwest Territories south to central Mexico, along the eastern edges of the Cascade and Sierra Nevada mountains.
Diet
Larvae primarily feed on the leaves of willow (Salix), poplar, and cottonwood (Populus); adults feed on nectar from a variety of flowers, and also on aphid honeydew, carrion, dung, and decaying fruit.
Life Cycle
Two to three generations per year; overwinters as a larva within a rolled leaf. Larvae feed for two to four weeks before pupating.
Reproduction
Mating occurs in spring; females lay eggs on host plants.
Predators
Birds are the main predators of the viceroy butterfly.
Ecosystem Role
As a pollinator, adults may help in the reproduction of flowering plants.
Cultural Significance
Named the state butterfly of Kentucky in 1990.
Evolution
Considered a Müllerian mimic of the Monarch butterfly due to its unpalatability, contributing to mimicry evolution in North American butterflies.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Historically believed to be a Batesian mimic but now considered Müllerian due to its own unpalatability.
Tags
- butterfly
- mimicry
- North America
- wildlife