Monarchs are some of the most popular butterflies in the world. Contrasting dark orange and black coloring make the species stand out.
Monarch butterflies in North America can migrate over distances exceeding 2,000 miles. Their ability to travel long distances makes them extremely popular.
Monarch butterflies sometimes migrate when they see milkweed, using it as a location for feeding, resting, or stepping stones on their long journeys.
Although distinctive in behavior, Monarch butterflies are occasionally mistaken for other species that appear quite similar.
Monarch butterflies are characterized by their dominant black and orange coloring. They possess broad black wing edges and black veins.
The darker shade of these butterflies’ orange coloring tends to be of a darker hue.
White spots or blemishes are also noticeable on the edges of these butterflies.
Physical variations are also prevalent between males and females. The male Monarch butterfly exhibits 2 dark spots on its wings.
Certain species that bear resemblance to Monarch butterflies can be distinguished based on appearance and even geographical distribution.
Monarch butterflies in the Western regions of North America migrate towards California in order to spend the winter. On the other hand, Eastern Monarch butterflies in North America migrate even farther to Mexico for the purpose of overwintering.
Butterflies That Look Like Monarchs
The subsequent varieties of butterflies can resemble Monarchs in appearance and behaviors.
1. Queen butterfly
Queen butterflies (Danaus gilippus), which belong to the same genus as Monarch butterflies, are remarkably similar to Monarchs.
You can distinguish these butterflies from Monarchs by the absence of black vertical stripes on their wings.
These butterflies display a primary orange, red-brown, or dark brown hue. Additionally, prominent black wing edges are observable across the various species.
Queen butterflies reside in environments that are somewhat comparable to those of Monarchs. They favor tropical and temperate weather conditions and are commonly encountered in North America.
Unlike the different sub-species of Monarchs, Queen butterflies do not migrate or only migrate over extremely short distances.
Monarch butterflies can be observed on different plants feeding on nectar. They also ingest fruit and excrement.
Found in meadows, open fields, and even deserts, this species possesses a versatile feeding behavior with a slight inclination towards milkweed.
2. Viceroy
Müllerian mimicry, a well-known phenomenon in butterflies, involves Viceroy butterflies mimicking Monarchs. Viceroy butterflies are known for their high resemblance to Monarchs (Limenitis archippus).
This type of mimicry is common in species that overlap each other as Viceroy, Monarch, and Queen butterflies share the same environment.
Viceroy butterflies possess comparable yet distinct coloration compared to Monarchs in the areas where they coexist.
Monarchs are commonly found in the northern regions of the United States, whereas Viceroys exhibit a lighter hue.
In Florida, Viceroys have a brighter shade, distinguishing themselves from the more abundant Queen butterflies in the region.
In addition to their lack of migration, Viceroy butterflies can also be distinguished from Monarchs by their dietary choices.
These butterflies nourish themselves with willow and poplar trees during their caterpillar stage.
Viceroy mature butterflies exclusively consume plant nectar, displaying a preference for milkweed and thistles.
3. Soldier butterfly
Soldier butterflies (Danaus eresimus) bear a resemblance to Monarchs and Queen butterflies. They are exclusively located in Florida and Southern Texas.
Soldier butterflies can be distinguished from Monarchs by their darker coloring, narrower black stripes, and white patches on the wings.
Solider butterflies have a darker color that appears brown at times as opposed to the nuance closer to pure orange of Monarchs.
Soldier butterflies exhibit slender black stripes on their wings, which further distinguishes them from Monarch and Queen butterflies.
These butterflies also possess numerous white patches on the upper surface of their wings.
The species display slight variations in the overall color gradient, distinguishing the Soldier and Monarch butterflies.
Soldier butterflies exhibit a darker hue on their upper wings and a lighter shade on their lower wings.
4. Gulf Fritillary
Dione vanillae butterflies, commonly referred to as Gulf Fritillary, display a blend of orange and black coloring that grants them a remarkable likeness to Monarchs.
These butterflies are widely abundant around forests and meadows in Florida, with a particular species also found in Texas.
Butterflies belonging to this specific category are known for their inclination to undertake shorter journeys when compared to Monarchs. However, this migratory behavior sometimes confuses the species.
Gulf Fritillary butterflies solely migrate within Florida.
They start moving to the northern regions of the state before returning to Southern Florida.
Butterflies belonging to this species consume lantana blossoms in their adult stage and passion vines during their caterpillar stage.
Further distinction among the species can be observed in their coloration.
The ventral side of the wings of Gulf Fritillary bears white markings.
This species is also discovered beyond the United States. Central and South America possess substantial populations of the Gulf Fritillary.
5. Pearl Crescent
Pearl Crescent butterflies (Phyciodes tharos) showcase similarities in their orange and black shades to Monarchs. Nonetheless, these butterflies are noticeably tinier and showcase unique designs.
Pearl Crescents reach a maximum wingspan of 34mm while Monarchs have a wingspan ranging from 3 to 4 inches.
Found in expansive regions, these butterflies nourish themselves with a diverse variety of flowers. They consume nectar from dogbane and thistles.
The distinct design on the orange wings is what sets Pearl Crescent apart from Monarchs even more.
The species’ wings also display horizontal lines in addition to black vertical stripes.
Pearl Crescents can only be observed in the southernmost regions of the United States and certain areas of Mexico.
6. Painted Lady
The Vanessa cardui, commonly referred to as the Painted Lady, is a frequently encountered species that displays a migratory pattern akin to that of Monarch butterflies.
Lady Painted butterflies have irregular patterns on their wings, with a coloring of black, brown, and orange. The Monarch species has a few separate body patterns that are different.
Additional white markings on the wings further distinguish this species from Monarchs.
Painted Lady butterflies are a widely distributed species that inhabit North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia.
The butterflies in Africa and Europe undergo one of the major migratory processes, with their movements being influenced by the changing seasons.
This colorful species is known for being bred in captivity. Otherwise, it can sometimes be seen on asters in their caterpillar stage.
7. American Lady
American Lady butterflies (Vanessa virginiensis) also have a significant global distribution.
Butterflies of this species resemble Monarchs in terms of color and black borders along the wings.
The creature lacks the vertical stripes distinctive to fully mature Monarchs, but instead exhibits wide black borders on a backdrop of orange hue.
White spots can be observed on the upper surface of the wings.
The species exhibits greater variations in color and pattern on its ventral side.
The upper side of the wings of this species also displays diagonal red-orange lines. American Lady butterflies have gray eyespots on their underwings.
American Lady caterpillars are predominantly brown. They possess off-white stripes spanning the body and lengthy bristle-like black hairs.
8. Red Admiral
Red Admirals (Vanessa atalanta) are predominantly black with bands of red and spots of white.
Red Admirals migrate to the South, covering long distances similar to Monarchs, originating from their moderate climates. These sizable butterflies can be observed in various regions of the globe, especially in moderate climates.
Red Admirals can be observed around different types of nettle, such as stinging nettle.
Grown-up Red Admirals are primarily attracted to the nectar of various nettles, but they can also feed on overripe fruits.
Red Admirals are attracted to extensive grasslands and open spaces that contain stinging nettle. The presence of stinging nettle plays a crucial role in the migration patterns of Red Admirals.
Mating in Red Admirals is a complex process, where the most territorial males engage in mating with females who exclusively select them, while the males themselves display aggression and territorial behavior.
9. Variegated Fritillary
The Common Variegated Fritillary (Euptoieta claudia) is a widespread species that resembles Monarch butterflies.
It features light orange and dark orange hues and black shades in a checkered design.
The Variegated Fritillary does not have the thick black edges like Monarch butterflies.
Passionflowers attract a variety of butterflies. These butterflies have a tendency to search for passionflowers during their brief nomadic journeys.
These butterflies are difficult to spot as they fly away whenever they encounter individuals.
The Variegated Fritillary is the butterfly observed in expansive regions, occasionally on crops.
The species is frequently observed in alfalfa and clover fields.
10. Great Spangled Fritillary
Like Monarchs, Great Spangled Fritillary butterflies (Speyeria cybele) also display a predominant combination of orange and black hues.
These butterflies possess a gradient orange color on the lower side of their wings, which appears bright orange on the upper side and almost brown.
The wings exhibit a checkered pattern in black and are accompanied by black antennae.
The females of the species exhibit a lighter orange-yellow hue, making it simple to distinguish them from the males.
11. Silvery Checkerspot
The Silvery Checkerspot (Chlosyne nycteis) is a common species of butterfly that closely resembles and is similar to other species, such as the Monarch, feeding on clovers and milkweed.
The Silvery Checkerspot butterfly exhibits a yellow-orange hue with black edges and veins running through its wings.
The species also displays submarginal spots that are white in color.
Silvery Checkerspot butterflies can be found in the majority of US territories located below Canada.
However, unlike the Eastern Monarch subspecies, the Silvery Checkerspot is absent in the Gulf of Mexico.
Its nonexistence in these areas is not unique.
The Silvery Checkerspot is a species that is experiencing a shrinking habitat in several states, including New Hampshire.
Silvery Checkerspot butterflies have not been spotted for years in a handful of other states in the Northeastern region too.
12. Phaon Crescent
Phaon Crescent butterflies (Phyciodes phaon) can be observed on turkey tangle frog fruit.
In the state of Florida, these butterflies can occasionally be mistaken for migrating Monarchs because they are exclusively found in Florida and not in the other states of the United States.
Phaon Crescent butterflies are a frequent occurrence in nearby island nations like Cuba as well.
The species can be identified by its black and orange colors on the back.
Additionally, numerous pale ivory marks can be seen on the upper surface of its wings.
The Phaon Crescent butterfly is one of the patterned butterflies that also resemble Queen butterflies.
The brighter coloring on the underside sets this species apart from other butterflies that are similar in appearance.
These butterflies are also recognized for their lack of migration, unlike Monarchs that migrate to Florida from the Northern regions.
13. Bordered Patch
Bordered Patch butterflies (Chlosyne lacinia) acquire their name from their dark hues adorned with vibrant patches.
This family of butterflies only has two small orange spots. There are also yellow and white patches and bands on the outer side of their wings. Black is the dominant color in these butterflies.
Assessing the dominant posterior hue is the easiest approach to differentiate Bordered Patch butterflies from Monarch butterflies, which predominantly exhibit an orange hue.
Among the most prevalent butterflies found in Texas and Arizona are these species. The common Texas blueweed serves as one of the host plants for this particular species.
Bordered Patch butterfly populations in Texas also do not migrate.
Throughout the year, the species remains in one place. Additionally, it might be easier to spot the species by observing the caterpillars of the Bordered Patch butterflies, as they feed and grow together in groups.
In Texas, specifically, there are four broods per year where all active species of butterflies can be observed, excluding Arizona.
14. California Tortoiseshell
Western regions of the United States and Mexico are home to a large population of California Tortoiseshell butterflies (Nymphalis californica).
The species is not a typical migratory or sedentary species as it decides to occasionally migrate to other states.
California Tortoiseshells are occasionally observed as far as Michigan or Ohio, where they may migrate on occasion.
These butterflies can be observed in chaparral and woodlands alongside clear spaces adjacent to forests.
The orange and black colors of these butterflies are connected to their physical resemblance to Monarchs.
The wings of these butterflies display black dots and black margins, although not as prominently as seen on Monarch butterflies. The upper side of these butterflies’ wings is primarily orange.
California Tortoiseshell butterflies exhibit gray boundaries, indicating a reduced distinction between the boundaries of their wings compared to Monarchs. Furthermore, the wings’ boundaries may also possess a gray hue.
15. Mylitta Crescent
Native to the Western United States, there is a high population of Mylitta Crescent butterflies (Phyciodes mylitta). These butterflies display a vibrant hue reminiscent of Monarchs.
These butterflies are also indigenous to Mexico.
The coloring of the body and wings is dominated by orange in this species. The black checkered wings make it look more similar to other species than butterflies, especially the Monarch.
Grown-ups consume plant nectar and larvae are observed nourishing on milk thistle.
In contrast to other butterflies discovered in the western part of the United States, Mylitta Crescents exhibit remarkable flexibility depending on the whereabouts of milk thistle proliferation.
It means the species live in lowlands but it can also live at high altitudes of up to a few thousand feet.
16. Northern Crescent
The Northern Crescent butterfly, also known as Phyciodes cocyta, is widely distributed in the northern regions.
In the Northeast, along with other environments in New England, they are abundant in extremely large quantities in the vicinity of The Great Lakes.
They are also prevalent in several other states all the way down to Texas.
The similarity between this species and Monarch butterflies lies in their orange and black dorsal coloring.
The variety can be recognized by its back color, which features an orange backdrop, and the existence of black patterned marks dispersed throughout its wings.
The species possesses slender white borders along with alternating black and white stripes on its elongated antennae.
The larva of the Northern Crescent butterfly can be observed on asters, a diverse array of wildflowers found throughout North America.
Adults consume floral nectar. Nonetheless, these butterflies do not feed on the same plants as Monarchs, which helps differentiate the two species.
The Adult Northern Crescent consumes dogbane nectar as well as fleabane nectar.
The species remains smaller than Monarch butterflies even with food abundance as its wings might measure up to 1.7 inches in wingspan.
17. West Coast Lady
Mexico and Guatemala, along with other countries in Central America, are common sights across the entire western coast of the United States. Vanessa annabella, also known as Ladies Coast West, is smaller in size compared to Crescents Northern, but larger in size than other monarch butterflies.
This species has a resemblance to the pattern of Monarch butterflies, however, it’s solely the upper surface of the wings that displays orange and black dorsal coloring.
West Coast Lady butterflies wings the of side upper the on seen are stripes black and margins black with color background orange.
Unlike Monarchs, the dorsal side of the West Coast Lady’s wings is adorned with black dots or gray dots with black margins, rather than continuous stripes. There are no stripes on the lower side of the wings.
The West Coast Lady is one of the species that also consume the nectar of different plants.
On the other hand, the caterpillars at the Institute of Oceanography in Nha Trang exhibit a unique look and can be seen on different hosts, in contrast to Monarch caterpillars.
West Coast Lady larvae eat leaves from the mallow plant family and possess a nearly consistent gray hue.
18. Meadow Fritillary
The Meadow Fritillary butterfly (Boloria bellona) is occasionally mistaken for Monarch butterflies residing in the Northern regions.
Nonetheless, Meadow Fritillary butterflies are widely found in Canada and to a lesser degree, in the Northern regions of the United States.
These butterflies migrate to the South to evade the chilly months in Canada.
A pattern of squares in orange and black is specific to the species’ back.
Meadow Fritillary butterflies, on the other hand, exhibit a color palette that is primarily dominated by orange, similar to Monarch butterflies. Nevertheless, Meadow Fritillary butterflies lack the distinctive black stripes and broad black edges that are characteristic of Monarch butterflies. Additionally, Meadow Fritillary butterflies display intricate black checkered patterns.
This particular species is visible in open fields, alongside streams, or surrounding swamps, but it is not found in forests.
Those who struggle to distinguish Meadow Fritillary butterflies from Monarch butterflies can further compare the wingspan of these two types of butterflies.
The Meadow Fritillary butterfly is two to three times tinier than Monarch butterflies.
19. Behr’s Metalmark
Behr’s Metalmark butterflies (Apodemia virgulti) bear some resemblance to Monarch butterflies.
One of the simplest approaches to determine the accurate species while comparing these butterflies is to evaluate the extent.
Both Monarch and Behr’s Metalmark can be observed in California.
Monarch butterflies travel to California from Northwestern regions while Behr’s Metalmark butterflies exclusively inhabit California (and certain areas of Baja California).
Contrary to Monarchs, orange is solely observed on a limited portion of the wings, whereas these butterflies exhibit black, orange, and white pigmentation.
These butterflies are predominantly black and gray with orange segments and white spots scattered throughout the wings.
The physique of Behr’s Metalmark butterfly is predominantly gray and black.
Butterflies belonging to this particular species are predominantly dark-toned and do not exhibit the same level of contrast as Monarch butterflies.
The creatures nourish themselves with Eriogonum.
20. Northern Checkerspot
The Western regions of the United States are home to Northern Checkerspot butterflies (Chlosyne palla).
This species exhibits comparable coloring to Monarch butterflies. It showcases shades of orange and brown with a black physique.
Monarch butterflies exhibit distinct coloration, characterized by a mix of vibrant orange and contrasting black instead of orange and brown.
Northern Checkerspot larvae can be observed in groups on goldenrod.
Rabbitbrush is also a frequent host plant for the larvae.
Additional distinctions in color can be observed between the Northern Checkerspot caterpillar and the Monarch caterpillar.
The caterpillars of the Northern Checkerspot are completely black, whereas Monarch caterpillars possess black, yellow, and white stripes running along their bodies.
21. Atlantis Fritillary
The Fritillary Atlantis Speyeria butterflies, also known as (atlantis), are recognized for their white and orange-brown color combination on the ventral side and black and orange color combination on the dorsal side.
These butterflies are primarily orange. They possess orange wings with a checked black design and black borders.
The edges of the species are not as broad as the edges of the Monarch butterfly.
Both Monarchs and Atlantis Fritillary feed on plant nectar, which can sometimes cause confusion between the two species.
Milkweed is a frequently encountered nectar source for monarchs and butterflies that resemble Monarchs.
However, the Atlantis Fritillary also feeds on laurel and spirea flower nectar.
22. Milbert’s Tortoiseshell
These butterflies, Tortoiseshell Milbert’s (Aglais milberti), are commonly found in the vast territories of the United States and Canada, particularly in North America.
The butterflies are located below Alaska and in numerous US territories, particularly throughout Eastern states.
This species exhibits a dark brown to black coloring on its back, giving it the appearance of a dark-colored butterfly.
Smaller orange spots can also be observed on the species’ dorsal region. The wings’ edges are predominantly adorned with bands in shades of orange and yellow.
Butterflies of this particular genus also possess tiny white spots along the edges of their wings.
Besides their dark hue, Milbert’s Tortoiseshell butterflies also exhibit slightly distinct habitat preferences in comparison to Monarchs.
These butterflies inhabit wet regions and they reproduce in damp areas like habitats close to streams and rivers.
23. Vesta Crescent
The Vesta Crescent on the dorsal side of Phyciodes graphica butterflies is predominantly orange. Monarch butterflies also have a similar pattern on their wings, which makes it visible and is characterized by black checkered markings.
The species is widespread in both New Mexico and Texas. Additionally, this particular species can be found in Mexico as well.
Unlike Monarch caterpillars, the species showcases predominantly dark-colored wings with diminished bright and sizable orange dorsal regions, in contrast to the vibrant appearance of Monarch butterflies.
You can further distinguish Vesta Crescent butterflies from Monarch butterflies by the host plant of the caterpillar.
Vesta Crescent caterpillars can be found on the hairy tube-tongue.
Adults migrate from the Gulf of Mexico to specific areas in the extreme south of the US, including desert and woodlands.
Both Vesta Crescent and Monarch larvae continue consuming different kinds of flower nectar throughout their adult stage.
24. Mormon
Monarch butterflies to resemblance physical high a bear butterflies These. States multiple across seen species common are (mormonia) Fritillary Mormon Fritillary butterflies.
Monarch butterflies of orange as bright not and brown to closer is orange of nuance The orange also are butterflies Fritillary Mormon.
The wings are adorned with a black checkered design that also displays small white markings on the edges of the wings.
These butterflies possess a black physique, which distinguishes the species from other butterflies resembling Monarchs.
Additional variations can occur in the host vegetation of numerous butterflies that bear a resemblance to Monarchs in the United States.
Violets are one of the favored host plants of the Mormon Fritillary butterfly.
25. Callippe Fritillary
Callippe Fritillary butterflies (Speyeria callippe) bear a strong resemblance to Mormon Fritillary and Monarch butterflies.
Males exhibit orange and black coloring on their back, whereas females display a combination of orange, white, and black coloring. The species.
The female displays white spots on its dorsal wings.
The distinct black patterns on the wings distinguish the Callippe Fritillary butterflies from Monarch butterflies.
The species is widespread in the northwestern territories of the United States and the southernmost part of British Columbia in Canada.
These butterflies have several generations per year.
The initial generation, which emerges after hibernation of the eggs laid by females near or on violet flowers, consumes the leaves of violet flowers.
These butterflies are commonly observed in arid environments like forests and grasslands.
26. Gorgone Checkerspot
These butterflies (Chlosyne gorgone) also resemble Monarchs, even though they have a smaller wingspan.
Gorgone Checkerspot butterflies have a wingspan of only 1.3 inches and can be significantly smaller than Monarch butterflies.
The species is primarily characterized by its orange and black colors on its back.
This species is characterized by black vertical stripes and horizontal lines, along with black margins.
The habitat is somewhat similar although Gorgone Checkerspot butterflies aren’t present on the Eastern Coast or the Western Coast of the US.
Gorgone Checkerspot butterflies can be found in various meadows as well as on crops.
These butterflies greatly prefer sunflower plantations for laying their eggs.
Grown-ups retain some of these inclinations from their larval phase as they solely consume nectar from yellow blossoms that resemble sunflowers.
27. Silver-bordered Fritillary
Fritillary-bordered Silver butterflies, also known as selene Boloria, are common species across the Northern US and Southern Canada, with a reduced presence on the Western sides of the continent.
Butterflies belonging to this genus consume goldenrods and do not have a preference for milk thistle.
Additional distinctions between Silver-bordered Fritillary butterflies and Monarchs can be observed in the natural environment where each species resides.
Silver-edged Fritillary butterflies favor moisture and they choose to inhabit damp meadows.
These butterflies are also significantly smaller than Monarch butterflies and lack the ability to fly long distances.
28. Theona Checkerspot
Theona Chlosyne, also known as Checkerspot Theona, is a species that typically prefers dry habitats and rocky areas, commonly observed in Texas and Arizona.
These butterflies possess an orange foundation hue. The orange shade resembles the deeper orange shade of Monarch butterflies.
The Theona Checkerspot is a species with yellow markings across its wings as well.
The wings of this species, similar to the Theona Checkerspot, have a wide black margin along the edges, while the rest is different.
The species’ host plants demonstrate the dry conditions in which this butterfly inhabits.
You can discover the species as a caterpillar on Ceniza Blanca. This is a variety of flower prevalent in canyons.
Grown-ups then proceed to different varieties of flora. They nourish themselves with the sweet liquid of various plant species in arid foothills.
29. Northwestern Fritillary
The Northwestern Fritillary (Speyeria hesperis) showcases an orange-brown color on its upper side, accompanied by black borders and veins.
Butterflies belonging to this particular species possess a grey and orange underside adorned with numerous white dots.
Its presence is signaled in Alaska and Canada, as well as throughout the US, especially in the Western parts down to California.
The wingspan of Northwestern Fritillary is slightly smaller compared to Monarch butterflies, measuring just over 2 inches.
You can observe the larvae of the Northwestern Fritillary on different types of flowers like violets.
Grown-ups primarily consume flower nectar, showing a preference for rabbitbrush and other violet flowers.
30. Hydaspe Fritillary
When comparing Monarch butterflies to Hydaspe Fritillary butterflies (Speyeria hydaspe), the primary visual distinction lies in the subtle variation of the orange dorsal hue, as the latter species displays a combination of orange and black pigmentation.
These butterflies possess a dark orange upper surface hue as opposed to the more vibrant orange hue of Monarchs.
Dark veins and marks are additionally noticeable on the back of this particular species.
Smaller visual discrepancies also involve slimmer black borders in contrast to the expansive margins observed on Monarchs.
The species displays colors on its underside including orange, black, and white.
The Hydaspe Fritillary butterflies are commonly found in various parts of Northwestern United States. These territories include areas with moist habitats, where they tend to locate themselves.
Different types of violets are among the habitats of Hydaspe Fritillary larvae.
Different flowers offer the sweet liquid that nourishes grown-ups in the regions of Washington, Montana, Wyoming, and California.
31. Sagebrush Checkerspot
The Sagebrush Checkerspot (Chlosyne acastus) bears a resemblance to the Hydaspe Fritillary and Monarch butterflies.
The upper side of the dorsum is dark orange, while the lower side is light orange. This species has an orange coloring on its dorsal base.
Additional black borders and black veins can be observed on this butterfly.
The top portion and the head are the areas where the shadowy side is located, exhibiting a gradual transition from dark to light, on the body of the Sagebrush Checkerspot.
Sagebrush Checkerspot butterflies exhibit diverse wingspan sizes, ranging from 1 to 2 inches.
These butterflies inhabit a vast habitat in the Eastern United States, primarily associated with specific host species.
The larvae of the species can be observed on flowers like asters and rabbitbrush shrubs.
Sagebrush shrub is one of the preferred sources of nectar for the mature Sagebrush Checkerspot.
32. Zerene Fritillary
The species of Zerene Fritillary, known as Speyeria zerene, lives in the western territories of the United States. As life begins, this butterfly lays its eggs on violet flowers.
It gradually develops into a caterpillar while consuming the leaves of violets.
Zerene Fritillary larvae undergo 6 instars as caterpillars.
They persist in consuming purple foliage until they emerge as fully grown individuals.
Their mature diet shifts to nectar. Asters and yarrow are among their preferred sources of nectar.
Zerene Fritillary butterflies display shades of orange and dark orange coloring. Additionally, this species showcases a black checkered dorsum with white margins.
The undersides of their wings are marked with white spots, yellow, brown, and orange. These butterflies, with closed wings, also resemble other species that have a similar appearance.
33. Tiny Checkerspot
Also known as the Dyman checkerspot, this butterfly is one of the smallest butterflies in North America and shares a similarity with Monarchs.
This species, known as Dymasia or Checkerspots Tiny, has a wingspan that is barely larger than one inch.
Small Checkerspot butterflies can be found throughout the southernmost regions of the United States.
This species lives in subtropical climates where it prefers desert scrub, making it one of the few plants and shrubs that can thrive in such conditions.
Caterpillars develop on hairy tube tongues. Grown-ups consume a diverse variety of blossoms.
Checkerspots Tiny are found in Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of Southern California. The main reason for this is that these flowers provide an ideal habitat in the dry territories of Southern regions.
34. Harris’s Checkerspot
Harri’s Checkerspots (Chlosyne harrisii) start their lives as eggs and later transform into caterpillars.
When they reach the third instar, they enter a phase of overwintering in order to begin growing again in the spring.
Adults emerge with a mostly black body that has orange sections and a wide black band around the margins of the wings.
The Harris’s Checkerspot is an absent species in Connecticut, New Hampshire, and other nearby states, but it is highly present in New York and other northeastern territories of the US, where it resembles Monarchs and many other butterflies.
The white flat-headed aster is usually the desired plant for the species when it searches for a host plant for its eggs in the autumn.
Butterflies belonging to this particular genus can also be observed once more beginning in June when the fresh offspring emerges.
35. Pacific Fritillary
The Northwestern regions of the United States are inhabited by a substantial number of Pacific Fritillary butterflies (Boloria epithore), which can be observed in large quantities within forests and grasslands.
These butterflies look similar to Monarchs but they have a wingspan that is just a few times smaller than an inch.
Only one flight is specific to the Pacific Fritillary in the Northwest. These butterflies emerge in May and continue flying until August.
They lay eggs during the summer on every violet in the area.
While it possesses the same orange and black hues akin to Monarch butterflies, the Pacific Fritillary species remains distinct.
The inner portion of the wings, which is closer to the body, is predominantly black, while the wings themselves are mostly orange. Unlike the Monarch butterfly, it does not possess the broad black borders.
36. Regal Fritillary
Regal Fritillary (Speyeria idalia) bears only a partial resemblance to Monarch butterflies. The upper wings display a combination of orange and black, while the hindwings exhibit a striking contrast of dark black and white.
The upper wings display a vibrant orange hue, adorned with black dots and bordered by black edges.
The hindwings are predominantly black with numerous randomly-shaped white spots.
Due to their considerable size, there can be instances of mistaken identity between Regal Fritillary butterflies and Monarchs. A sizable Regal Fritillary butterfly can possess a wingspan exceeding 4 inches.
Some of the flowers utilized as hosts or nourishment are likewise comparable to the Regal Fritillary and Monarch butterflies.
The mature individuals of these species typically consume milkweeds.
The larva of the Regal Fritillary has various hosts within the violet flower family.
37. Mormon Metalmark
The Apodemia mormo butterflies, alternatively recognized as Mormon Metalmark butterflies, exhibit a blend of orange, brown, and white shades on their upper surface.
The wings are predominantly adorned with shades of brown-gray and orange. The butterfly’s body is primarily a hue of gray-brown.
This species also displays visible white spots surrounded by broad black borders.
The edges of the wings are white while the antennae of the butterfly have alternating black and white stripes.
Found in both Canada and certain regions of the United States, this particular species exclusively inhabits arid regions.
It favors different varieties of buckwheat as host plants.
38. Bronze Copper
Male Tharsalea Coppers, also known as Hyllus, have brown and orange-copper coloration with black spots on their upper wings. On the other hand, females of this species have multiple small black dots with orange and yellow coloring.
The native habitat of Bronze Coppers in the Northeastern region overlaps with the habitat of Monarchs in the Eastern United States.
Grown-ups consume a diverse variety of fruits and deposit eggs on twisted piers. Bronze Coppers feed on nectar from blackberries and red clovers.
Bronze Coppers are not well-suited for residing in elevated areas.
Rivers, brooks, and lakes are where they can be observed. This is the reason why they favor valleys and wetland areas, where they search for damp environments.
The breeding period of the species starts in June. Bronze Coppers continue to be active until late September.