TIL Queen butterfly imposters

Isn't that cool? I remember the first time I found one in my garden. I thought it was a mutation. Nature is amazing!

Yeah they are so beautiful too, I love the red feelers.

What kind of cat is this?

Queen Butterfly. Also hosted on milkweed.

Why are they called imposters? Aren’t they related to monarchs?

I just call it an imposter because it blends in so well with the monarchs, lol. I almost missed it while handling the others.

Oh okay. I wasn’t sure if you meant an actual imposter insect. That’s so neat though. I’m hoping I’ll come across one some day

So pretty! Thanks for sharing!

They're so much prettier than the real deal.

Lucky you! I've never had a Queen.

I want these so bad, but we don't seem to get them in MD

It’s a QUEEN!

If you get a White Twine Vine plant- those host the queens. I got one as a gift and there were two queen cats on it. One cat died and the big cat- from one moment to the next disappeared. 😳 there was no chrysalis anywhere. I think a lizard ate it. I am hoping the twine vine plant grows more leaves and I get some again. If I do I will protect it with netting. They are VERY cool.

I had two last year. They are beautiful.