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One of Saskatchewan’s most recognizable insects has returned to the province for another summer breeding season, and conservationists are encouraging residents to help support the endangered species.
Nature Saskatchewan announced this week that monarch butterflies have begun arriving across the province as milkweed plants emerge and leaf out, marking the start of a critical stage in the insect’s annual life cycle.
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Known for their distinctive orange-and-black wings, monarch butterflies migrate thousands of kilometres each year between Canada, the United States and Mexico.
Their striking colour serves as a warning to predators, signalling that the butterflies are toxic due to chemicals they absorb while feeding on milkweed plants during their development.
The return of monarchs coincides with the growth of milkweed, the only plant on which monarch butterflies lay their eggs and where caterpillars feed before transforming into butterflies.
“The Monarch’s return coincides with the milkweed emergence and leafing out,” said Emily Putz, habitat stewardship coordinator for Nature Saskatchewan’s monarch programming.
“Right now, with the milkweed really starting to grow, it’s a great time to check the underside of leaves for the first eggs and caterpillars of the year.”
Monarch eggs are typically laid one at a time on the underside of milkweed leaves. The eggs have a distinctive ridged, oval shape that tapers to a point. Once hatched, the caterpillars display bands of black, yellow and white, serving as a warning to predators about their unpleasant taste.
Choosing the right plants
Nature Saskatchewan is encouraging gardeners and landowners interested in supporting monarch populations to plant native milkweed species rather than non-native varieties.
“If you want to promote monarchs in your space, you will want to be sure to plant native milkweed species and stay away from species that are not native to our province,” Putz said.
Saskatchewan is home to five native milkweed species. Showy milkweed, common milkweed and dwarf milkweed are among the varieties available through some local nurseries specializing in native plants.
According to Nature Saskatchewan, native milkweed species have evolved alongside monarch butterflies and provide the timing and habitat conditions needed to support their full life cycle.
The organization advises against planting tropical milkweed, which can spread harmful parasites, as well as milkweed species native to eastern Canada that bloom at different times than Saskatchewan’s native varieties.
“When in doubt, go with a species that already calls Saskatchewan its home,” Putz said.
Endangered species needs public support
In addition to planting native milkweed, Nature Saskatchewan recommends growing other native flowering plants, including asters and goldenrods, to provide nectar sources for adult butterflies.
The organization also discourages captive breeding programs and handling monarchs, noting that even catch-and-release activities can negatively affect the insects.
Residents are encouraged to report monarch sightings through Nature Saskatchewan’s Stewards of Saskatchewan program. The information helps researchers track monarch populations and monitor their range across the province.
Monarch butterflies were officially listed as endangered in Canada in late 2023.
Conservation groups say public reports of sightings can contribute valuable information that supports recovery efforts and improves understanding of population trends.
Nature Saskatchewan notes that personal information submitted through its species reporting program is kept confidential.
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