Limenitis archippus watsoni

(Dos Passos, 1938)

Watson's Gulf Coast Viceroy

Limenitis archippus watsoni is a of the viceroy found in central North America. It is part of the well-known complex with the butterfly, though recent research suggests viceroys may also be unpalatable to . This subspecies is distinguished from other viceroy by geographic range and subtle morphological differences.

Limenitis archippus watsoni by (c) Charles de Mille-Isles, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Limenitis archippus watsoni: /lɪˈmɛnɪtɪs ˈɑrkɪpəs ˈwɑtsəni/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

The submarginal semi-circular black across the is a consistent distinguishing feature from the . Males territories and perch frequently, not reliably observed in monarchs. Compared to the nominate eastern , L. a. watsoni from the Great Plains region shows variation in size and coloration.

Images

Distribution

Central North America including the Canadian provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan, and the Great Plains region of the United States.

Diet

nectar on , thistles, and other common flowers. feed on willows (Salix), poplars, and cottonwoods (Populus), salicylic acid that makes them unpalatable to .

Life Cycle

with , , , and stages. resemble bird droppings as .

Behavior

Males are territorial, actively and perching to defend areas. Both sexes exhibit -related patterns.

Ecological Role

Participant in complex with , contributing to education regarding unpalatable . Larval feeding on Salicaceae may influence chemistry dynamics.

Human Relevance

Occasionally mistaken for by observers. Subject of ecological and evolutionary research on . Not known to be of economic importance.

Similar Taxa

  • Limenitis archippus archippusThe nominate eastern ; differs in geographic range and subtle morphological variation
  • Danaus plexippus ; lacks the submarginal and does not exhibit territorial perching

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