Final answer:
The butterfly species is Limenitis archippus, the viceroy butterfly, known for mimicking the toxic monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) to avoid predation, an example of Müllerian mimicry.
Step-by-step explanation:
The butterfly species in question is Limenitis archippus, also known as the viceroy butterfly. This species is known for its mimicry of the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus), which helps it avoid predators due to the monarch's unpleasant taste. The genus Limenitis indicates that the viceroy butterfly is more distantly related to the other butterflies listed (Papilio glaucus, Papilio polyxenes, Danaus plexippus, Colias philodice). Mimicry is a fascinating aspect of biology where species like the viceroy butterfly and Heliconius species adopt similar color patterns to those of less palatable or toxic species, a phenomenon known as Müllerian mimicry.
The species of butterfly shown in the question is Limenitis archippus, commonly known as the viceroy butterfly. The viceroy butterfly mimics the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus). The viceroy butterfly is able to avoid predation by resembling the monarch butterfly, which contains toxins that make it unpalatable to predators.