They are about the same size and the colors are similar. They both like mildweed. But the Monarch butterfly is different from the Viceroy butterfly. Both with royal names, but the Viceroy has a black line crossing the orange hindwind (see photo above). If you watch them fly, the Monarch flies with its wings in a "V" shape, while the Viceroy flaps and sails like a ... well ... like a butterfly. Both are airborne around the Bitterroot Valley, according to Bob Danley on KLYQ's Bitterroot Outdoor Journal. Though dragonflies have been in short supply this cool season, Bob has seen some - including the Meadowhawks. There are nine species and almost all males are red and they're about an inch and a half long (see photo below).

By the way, The Bitterroot Outdoor Journal moves to Wednesday mornings this week on 1240 AM KLYQ and klyq.com. Bob will present his observations and outdoors tips about 7:45 a.m. on Wednesdays. Tune in!

meadowhawk dragonfly
A red male Cherry-faced Meadowhawk dragonfly. (Bob Danley Photo)
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