The last couple weeks has seen a surge in monarch butterfly and caterpillar (larvae) sightings. With the upcoming national Flight of the Monarch Day on August 22, now is the perfect time for nature lovers to sharpen their monarch identification skills and capture some photos and observations to share in the celebration.
“Follow us on social media to join in the celebration on August 22,” said Rebecca Magnus, Habitat Stewardship Coordinator with Nature Saskatchewan.
“There will be something for everyone to participate in the virtual celebration and participants can even win prizes,” explained Magnus.
“You can start now by getting out and exploring your NatureHood, to see if you can spot and photograph monarch butterflies and caterpillars.”
Monarch butterflies are identifiable by their bright orange colouring with black veins throughout their wings, along with white spots on their black body and the outside edges of their wings.
“Watch out for look-a-likes such as the viceroy,” explained Magnus. “Viceroys look very similar but have an extra stripe on their hind wings that crosses their veins.”
The monarch caterpillars have distinct white, yellow and black stripes with black tentacles on both ends. “You will see these caterpillars nearly exclusively on milkweed plants” Magnus added.
Monarchs are a species at risk throughout their range with Saskatchewan being at the northern extent of their range.
“It takes between three and four generations for monarchs to get from their over-wintering grounds in Mexico to Saskatchewan,” Magnus said, adding “The generation emerging now will live the longest, making the full journey south back to Mexico to overwinter, so it is extra important that we help conserve the habitat for this incredibly important generation of monarchs.”
Nature Saskatchewan runs the voluntary Stewards of Saskatchewan program that works with communities and landowners to conserve monarch habitat and help monitor the population each year.
If anyone sees a monarch in Saskatchewan, or would like more information about the national Flight of the Monarch Day on August 22, or the Stewards of Saskatchewan program, call Nature Saskatchewan’s toll-free line at 1-800-667-HOOT (4668), text (306)780-9832 or email at [email protected].
Nature Saskatchewan is also interested in seeing photos of monarchs and other butterflies from readers.
