Monarch Butterfly

By: Meriel Bradley

The Monarch butterfly is one of the most striking and recognizable species of butterflies.

It was listed by the Committee for the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada as Endangered in 2016.

Quick Facts

The Monarch breeds in many areas of southern Canada

Most of this population migrates each fall to overwinter in the highlands of central Mexico

It takes four to five generations of Monarchs to make it back to Canada during their spring migration

Milkweed is needed as the host plant of the Monarch caterpillar

Do Your Part to Help

Create a pollinator habitat for Monarchs – you will also be creating a habitat for hundreds of pollinator species, including bees, moths and other butterflies

The perfect Monarch Butterfly garden should be in a sunny sheltered spot, free of pesticides and needs 2 types of plants:

  • Milkweed, which is needed as the host plant of the Monarch caterpillar
  • Plants with nectar-rich blooms to fuel the adult butterfly

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