Identifying Monarch Butterflies

Monarch butterflies are easily confused with two very similar butterflies. It is important that you know how to tell them apart.



Monarch
Danaus plexippus

Side View: The white dots only fall within the black along the edges.



Top View: The body is black. Once again, the white dots only fall within the black along the edges.

 
Queen
Danaus gilippus

Side View: White dots are within the orange area.



Top View: The body is orange and white dots are within the orange wing area.

 
Viceroy
Limenitis archippus

Underside View: Notice the black band with white dots and an extra row of orange cells.


Top View: The body is black with a row of white dots along the extra black band along the rear of the wings.
Photo Copyright © Pierre Deviche Used with permission