The wings of Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths) are covered with small scales from which the order derives its name. These scales are similar in shape among species and are organized on the wings like shingles. They give the wing its color via pigmentation or structure. I characterized the shape and wettability of wing scales of three species in the family Nymphalidae. Monarch (Danaus plexippus) and viceroy (Limenitis archippus) butteflies represent Müllerian mimics whereas L. archippus and Red-spotted purple butterflies (L. arthemis astyanax) are closely related and hybridize. Scale width, length, and protrusion size and number were measured using ImageJ on scanning electron microscope (SEM) images. Wettability was determined via confocal microscopy with Nile Red, a stain that causes hydrophobic surfaces to fluoresce. Previous studies have revealed that butterfly wings are hydrophobic. I hypothesized that wing scale properties are either shared by species that are closely related or are similarly colored.