Mistaken ID
Viceroys emerged during the last week of May across the monarch's northern breeding range. Observers must be especially careful now about accurate identification. A black line across the hindwing is one distinguishing characteristic of a viceroy. However, the line can be surprisingly faint as this image shows. When you report a monarch include details to confirm the butterfly was not a viceroy — or provide a photo.

Shannon Egendoerfer