Well known for its impressive migrations between the province and Mexico, the Monarch butterfly is sadly experiencing a rapid decline: its population dropped down by 90% during the past two decades (David Suzuki Foundation). It is important to protect the Monarch butterfly, because as for all other pollinators, its ecological role is vital.
Monarch butterflies are one of Quebec’s largest diurnal butterflies. Easily identifiable by its orange wings with black stripes and white dots, the Monarch butterfly is a true national emblem.
Do not confuse it with the Viceroy, a butterfly that looks almost exactly the same as the Monarch; it is however smaller, with a black stripe crossing the ribs on its posterior wings, and the edge of its wings display one less row of white dots in comparison with the Monarch (Montreal Space for Life).
How can we help Monarch butterflies?
The Monarch butterfly plays a major role in the pollination of many nectariferous plants by foraging. Females lay their eggs exclusively on Milkweed, whose leaves are the only food source for caterpillars. In Quebec, the most frequent species is the Common Milkweed, Asclepias syriaca. By planting Milkweed in your flowerbeds, you can be sure to lend a hand to Monarch Butterflies (Montreal Space for Life).
Laval, certified Monarch-Friendly City
To protect the Monarch Butterfly, Laval joined the movement Monarch-Friendly City, initiated by the David Suzuki Foundation in partnership with Montreal Space for Life. Through this action, the City is committed to implementing measures aiming to preserve the Monarch’s habitat.
To be certified as a Monarch-Friendly City, a municipality must commit to implement at least 3 of the 24 protection measures for the Monarch Butterfly’s habitat suggested by the David Suzuki Foundation. With a total of 15 measures implemented, the City of Laval holds the Silver Level for the Monarch-Friendly City certification (City of Laval).
Relevant resources
David Suzuki Foundation (page in French)
