| Basilarchia archippus archippus (Cramer, 1775) |
| Status: Common local resident. |
| Flight Period(s): There are two flights, the first peaking in mid June and the second in mid August. Nebraska records are from 28 May – 1 October. |
| Range: The Viceroy is found in the southern half of Canada and most of the United States with the exception of the extreme west and southwest where it is absent or present in isolated local colonies. It is found throughout Nebraska. |
| Larval Hostplant(s): Willows (Salix species) are the preferred host but larvae have also been found feeding on cottonwoods (Populus deltoides) in the state. |
| Overwinter: Partially grown larvae spend the winter in rolled up leaves, which they attach to the hostplant with silk. |
| Commentary/Habitat: Due to their close resemblence to Monarchs and Queens (who are poisonous to birds) Viceroys obtain some measure of protection against predation. They are usually found near riparian habitats near where their hostplant grows. This species has been documented as hybridizing with other Basilarchia species, and there is one Keya Paha county record of a Viceroy/Weidemeyer’s Admiral hybrid from the Niobrara Valley Preserve (The Nature Conservancy). |
| Similar Species: Monarch and Queen |
