I’m not sure we had any Monarch butterflies this summer, though we have planted milkweed and have a towering butterfly bush. We have enjoyed seeing other butterflies, however, including lots of orange ones in recent weeks.
I believe most of the orange butterflies visiting our yard are Viceroy butterflies. They are almost identical to Monarchs with similar orange-brown wings. A black line across the hind wing distinguishes it from the Monarch.
Other species of butterflies often confused with the Monarch are Queens and Soldiers. Queens are a little smaller than Monarchs with an orange/brown color with white spots and black borders. Soldiers are also smaller butterflies with white spots and black borders but have darker veins than the similar Queen.
Butterflies are fun to try to identify. Begin with these three species and expand and hopefully a Monarch or two will find some colorful flowers in your yard in the future.