Brushfoot
Guides
Limenitis archippus
Viceroy
The Viceroy (Limenitis archippus) is a North American butterfly famous for its striking resemblance to the Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus), a relationship long interpreted as Batesian mimicry but now considered Müllerian mimicry since both species are distasteful to predators. This medium-sized brushfoot butterfly ranges across most of the contiguous United States, southern Canada, and parts of Mexico. Adults are orange with black veining and white spots, but display significant regional variation in size and coloration—eastern populations are bright orange while western and Florida populations are darker, sometimes mimicking the Queen butterfly (Danaus gilippus) instead. The species is territorial, with males actively patrolling and perching to defend areas.
Nymphalis californica
California Tortoiseshell, Cal Tortie
The California Tortoiseshell is a medium-sized brushfoot butterfly known for its mass migration events that can occur at irregular intervals. Adults overwinter and may be seen sunning on mild winter days. The species is notable for its seasonal altitudinal migration pattern and its ability to defoliate stands of Ceanothus host plants during population outbreaks.
Nymphalis l-album
Compton Tortoiseshell, False Comma
The Compton Tortoiseshell is a butterfly in the family Nymphalidae, closely related to other tortoiseshell butterflies. It shares the characteristic reduced front legs of brushfoot butterflies, with only four functional walking legs. The species exhibits territorial behavior typical of the genus, with males defending perches against rivals.