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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

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