Monarchs in Canada Point Pelee National Park Butterflies

Monarchs in Canada & Point Pelee National Park

Butterflies in Canada There approximately 300 different species of butterflies in Canada Morning Cloak (Nymplalis antiopa) White Admiral (Limenitis arthemis ) Cabbage White (Pieris rapae) Viceroy (Limenitis archippus) Photos: Parks Canada

Butterflies at Risk in Canada Ø Evaluated by the “ Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada ”, there are 28 different species of butterflies in Canada identified as “ Species at Risk ”. They have special protection status under Canada’s Species at Risk Act and include: Weidemeyer’s Admiral, Karner Blue and Taylor’s Checkerspot. Ø The Monarch butterfly is a Species at Risk because of the threats to the migratory phenomenon. Examples of threats are disappearance of overwintering habitat, predation and, herbicide and insecticide use in breeding habitats. Photo: Parks Canada

The Monarch is the most commonly known of all butterflies

Range of Monarchs in Canada (all stages of the life cycle) Canadian Range Western Population Erratically, Rarely common Eastern Population Scarce Occur Maritimes occur irregularly Southern ON & QC annually, often in abundance Map: J. Lauriault, Canadian Museum of Nature

Fall Migration Staging Areas in Eastern Canada Presqu’ile Provincial Park Rondeau Provincial Park Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area Point Pelee National Park Map: J. Lauriault, Canadian Museum of Nature Long Point National Wildlife Area

Point Pelee – A Funnel for Migration Image: Parks Canada

The shape of Point Pelee National Park, jutting out into Lake Erie, makes the national park a prime stopover for many migratory species of insects, birds and bats

Point Pelee National Park is also rich in biodiversity, which provides habitat and food sources for migratory species, including the Monarch

Milkweed in Canada Milkweed is found in every province in Canada except for Newfoundland Northern Canada: Nunavut, the North West Territories and the Yukon Common Milkweed Swamp Milkweed Photos: J. Lauriault, Canadian Museum of Nature

Distribution of Milkweed in Canada Milkweed is found mainly in southern regions of Canada Map: J. Lauriault, Canadian Museum of Nature

Selective Feeders Ø Monarch larvae feed exclusively on milkweed worldwide. Ø There approximately 230 different kinds of milkweed worldwide. Ø There are 14 native species in Canada. Monarch in the classroom Photo: J. Lauriault, Canadian Museum of Nature

Transformation It takes approximately 30 days to transform from egg to caterpillar to butterfly

Point Pelee National Park of Canada’s Southern Sanctuary Point Pelee National Park is a prime location to observe fall migration of Monarch butterflies on their way to their wintering grounds in the volcanic mountains of central Mexico

Trinational Cooperation Ø Through the North American Monarch Conservation Plan, Canada, Mexico and the United States are working together to protect Monarch populations, migratory flyways and habitat. For additional information visit www. cec. org. Ø Parks Canada also contributes to this effort through various monitoring and education programs. Ø Point Pelee National Park conducts annual butterfly counts, rears and tags Monarch butterflies through Monarch Watch, and educates visitors with a live Monarch exhibit.