MaryAnn Lepp observed a significant increase in monarch butterflies undergoing metamorphosis in her garden, with 20 caterpillars feeding on her swamp milkweed in a single day. This surge in butterfly activity is being witnessed by many Canadian monarch enthusiasts, who are noting a rise in backyard milkweed patches thriving in the wet and hot conditions of the Prairie this summer.
Marika Olynyk, curator of the Living Prairie Museum, mentioned that Winnipeg has seen a high number of monarchs this year, with consistent sightings of caterpillars, chrysalises, and butterflies throughout the summer. The museum’s tall grass prairie preserve, abundant with native plants that attract pollinators, including various milkweed species, has been a favorite spot for monarch butterflies.
Although monarch butterflies feed on nectar from milkweed flowers, they are selective during the caterpillar stage, exclusively consuming milkweed leaves. Despite efforts by individuals like Lepp to plant milkweed and native wildflowers, these plants are not as abundant or widespread as they once were due to habitat loss caused by the conversion of native grasslands into farmland.
The plight of monarch butterflies led to calls for their legal protection, resulting in their classification as an endangered species in 2016. Efforts to conserve monarchs include the prohibition of harming or capturing them on federal lands. However, the population of monarch butterflies remains below sustainable levels, emphasizing the continued need for conservation initiatives.
In addition to monarch butterflies, the Assiniboine Park Zoo is also witnessing an increase in the population of the critically endangered Poweshiek skipperling butterfly. Conservation efforts at the zoo, such as breeding and releasing Poweshiek skipperlings, have shown promising results this summer, offering hope for the species’ recovery.
The favorable weather conditions this year have not only benefited monarchs and Poweshiek skipperlings but also other butterfly species, contributing to a positive outlook for butterfly populations. As part of ongoing conservation efforts, zoo staff will be attaching radio transmitters to monarch butterflies to track their migration south to Mexico.
Enthusiasts like Epp are dedicated to ensuring the well-being of caterpillars and chrysalises under their care, emphasizing the importance of conservation efforts in preserving biodiversity and fostering a harmonious relationship with nature.
