Viceroy Butterfly vs Southern Hawker
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Viceroy Butterfly | Southern Hawker |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Limenitis archippus | Aeshna cyanea |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Odonata |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Aeshnidae |
| Size | 53-81 mm wingspan | 70-76 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Dung Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | North America | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Viceroy Butterfly
Orange and black wings resembling the Monarch but with a black postmedian line across the hindwings. Once thought to be a harmless mimic, it is actually unpalatable too.
Did You Know?
It is a Mullerian co-mimic with the Monarch, as both species are distasteful to predators.
Southern Hawker
A large, inquisitive dragonfly with apple-green and blue markings on a dark body. It is known for its curiosity and often approaches and hovers near humans.
Did You Know?
Southern hawkers are among the most curious dragonflies and will frequently investigate humans, hovering at eye level as if studying them.