Monarch Butterfly

The Monarch is our most recognized butterfly and can be found across most of Canada.

Where to look – Monarchs can be found at breeding time in areas containing milkweed, such as roadsides, meadows, fields and marshes. When migrating, Monarchs can be found just about anywhere.

What to look for – The Monarch is reddish-orange with black vein-like markings. There is a black border around its wings with white spots on it. Its wings look like stained glass windows! The bright orange of the Monarch warns predators that it tastes bad. The good tasting Viceroy butterfly mimics the appearance of the Monarch in hopes that it will confuse potential predators. You can tell the difference between the Monarch and the Viceroy by the black stripe across the bottom wings of the Viceroy.

When to find them – In the spring and summer, the Monarch butterfly can be found in open fields and meadows with milkweed.