-
Step 1
Study the Viceroy butterfly's colors and patterns. The Viceroy looks very similar to two other prominent butterflies, the Monarch and the Queen butterflies. Get familiar with the Viceroy's burnt orange color, black line ringing the insect's hindwing and row of small white dots at the wing's edge. These identifiers will help you quickly distinguish a Viceroy from similar butterflies.
-
Step 2
Visit Viceroy butterfly habitats. The Viceroy lives in nearly all the eastern states of the US, in addition to the Northwest Territories of Canada. Check with butterfly associations, park rangers or fauna guidebooks to find Viceroy butterflies near you.
-
Step 3
Get your timing right. Viceroy butterflies are around in largest numbers between March and September, so head out to see Viceroys during these peak months.
-
Step 4
Check out butterfly collections. The Viceroy is a well known and much collected butterfly, so look at university, museum or zoo collections to see beautifully preserved Viceroys.
-
Step 5
Search lush, moist areas. Viceroys like river and lake edges, moist shrub lands and marshes. Check verdant environments where the bright orange insect will stand out clearly against the green foliage.
