Thirsty Viceroy

Here's a better shot of the Viceroy. You can see his tongue-thingy in this picture.

He's all over this Joe Pye weed....

Very pretty!
I haven't seen one of those in years. I do wish I had that Joe Pye weed. Looks like a great butterfly plant.

I haven't seen a Viceroy for many years, either. They are a mimic of the Monarch butterfly, which is toxic to birds. The viceroys are not toxic at all, but they make themselves look like the toxic Monarch so birds will not eat them. Clever little critters, huh? Survival of the fittest!

The viceroy tends to rest with it's wings spread open. The monarchs seem keep their wings closed up most of the time.