Butterflies of Malcolmson Eco-Park

Southern Ontario is home to a wide variety of butterflies, ranging from the iconic Monarch to the vibrant Tiger Swallowtail. These butterflies contribute to the region’s biodiversity, with different species inhabiting gardens, meadows, woodlands, and even the edges of wetlands. Many species, like the Viceroy and Painted Lady, are migratory, while others, such as the Cabbage White, are year-round residents. Whether in the wild or in urban gardens, these butterflies play an essential role in pollination and provide beautiful, colorful displays across the landscape.

How can I attract these three butterflies to my garden?

  • Diversity of Plants: Incorporate a variety of native plants to attract a range of butterfly species. Milkweed for Monarchs. Stinging nettles for Red Admirals.
    Birch and Black cherry for Swallowtails.
  • Avoid Pesticides: Pesticides can harm or kill butterflies, so maintain a pesticide-free garden.
  • Provide Water: Offer shallow water sources with rocks or twigs for butterflies to land on while drinking.
Butterflies of Southern Ontario

Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus)
Description: Famous for its long migrations, the Monarch is one of the most recognized butterflies in North America. Its striking orange wings with black and white spots make it easy to identify. Habitat: Found in fields, meadows, and open areas where milkweed, its primary food source, grows.

Eastern Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus)
Description: A large, yellow butterfly with black stripes and distinctive tail-like extensions on its hind wings. It’s often seen fluttering through gardens. Habitat: Prefers wooded areas and open spaces near trees like ash, willow, and birch.

Cabbage White Butterfly (Pieris rapae)
Description: This small white butterfly with black spots is one of the most common in Ontario, often found in gardens. Habitat: Gardens, fields, and disturbed areas, particularly where cruciferous plants like cabbage grow.

Painted Lady Butterfly (Vanessa cardui)
Description: Known for its colorful, orange and black patterned wings, the Painted Lady migrates long distances. Habitat: Fields, meadows, and gardens where thistles and nettles grow.

Red Admiral Butterfly (Vanessa atalanta)
Description: This butterfly has bold red and black markings with white spots on its forewings, making it easily identifiable. Habitat: Wooded areas, gardens, and along forest edges, often near nettles and other host plants.

Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus)
Description: This striking yellow and black butterfly is large and commonly seen flitting around gardens and forest edges. Habitat: Found in a variety of habitats, including wooded areas and gardens with a preference for tall trees like tulip trees.

Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos)
Description: A smaller butterfly with orange wings adorned with black crescent-shaped marks, giving it its name. Habitat: Found in open fields, meadows, and edges of woodlands, where it feeds on asters.

Common Buckeye (Junonia coenia)
Description: A butterfly known for its large, eye-like spots on its forewings. Its wings are a mix of browns and oranges. Habitat: Fields, gardens, and roadsides with open areas and an abundance of its host plants.

Viceroy Butterfly (Limenitis archippus)
Description: Often mistaken for the Monarch due to its similar appearance, the Viceroy is distinguished by its horizontal black line across its wings. Habitat: Wetlands, meadows, and areas near water.

Skippers (Family: Hesperiidae)
Description: Skippers are small, fast-flying butterflies with stocky bodies and quick, darting flight patterns. They are often confused with moths. Habitat: Found in grasslands, meadows, and sometimes in gardens, feeding on grasses.