20JY3663W-SharpenAI-Standard Monarch Butterfly
Laying eggs and having lunch on Milk Weed
The Monarch is a showy orange and black butterfly with small white spots. These butterflies are relatively large with a wingspan reaching 93-105 millimetres. The Monarch’s caterpillar is easily recognized: It has black, white and yellow stripes and can be found feeding on milkweed plants. After their feeding and growth stage, the Monarch caterpillar moults into a striking jade-coloured chrysalis with golden spots.
Where it lives
Throughout their life cycle, Monarchs use three different types of habitat. Only the caterpillars feed on milkweed plants and are confined to meadows and open areas where milkweed grows. Adult butterflies can be found in more diverse habitats where they feed on nectar from a variety of wildflowers. Monarchs spend the winter in Oyamel Fir forests found in central Mexico.
Where it’s been found in Ontario
The Monarch’s range extends from Central America to southern Canada. In Canada, Monarchs are most abundant in southern Ontario and Quebec where milkweed plants and breeding habitat are widespread. During late summer and fall, Monarchs from Ontario migrate to central Mexico where they spend the winter months. During migration, groups of Monarchs numbering in the thousands can be seen along the north shores of Lake Ontario and Lake Erie.
20JY3663W-SharpenAI-Standard Monarch Butterfly
Laying eggs and having lunch on Milk Weed
The Monarch is a showy orange and black butterfly with small white spots. These butterflies are relatively large with a wingspan reaching 93-105 millimetres. The Monarch’s caterpillar is easily recognized: It has black, white and yellow stripes and can be found feeding on milkweed plants. After their feeding and growth stage, the Monarch caterpillar moults into a striking jade-coloured chrysalis with golden spots.
Where it lives
Throughout their life cycle, Monarchs use three different types of habitat. Only the caterpillars feed on milkweed plants and are confined to meadows and open areas where milkweed grows. Adult butterflies can be found in more diverse habitats where they feed on nectar from a variety of wildflowers. Monarchs spend the winter in Oyamel Fir forests found in central Mexico.
Where it’s been found in Ontario
The Monarch’s range extends from Central America to southern Canada. In Canada, Monarchs are most abundant in southern Ontario and Quebec where milkweed plants and breeding habitat are widespread. During late summer and fall, Monarchs from Ontario migrate to central Mexico where they spend the winter months. During migration, groups of Monarchs numbering in the thousands can be seen along the north shores of Lake Ontario and Lake Erie.