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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