Ontario's Specially Protected Butterfly Species

 

All about the butterfly species in Ontario that are specially protected, the different ways to attract each butterfly species, and how to support these butterflies in the yard. In the province of Ontario there are 14 different butterfly species that are specially protected throughout the province, and each one is unique in their own way. The butterfly species in Ontario that are specially protected include black swallowtail, bog elfin, canadian tiger swallowtail, eastern giant swallowtail, eastern tiger swallowtail, frosted elfin, karner blue, monarch, mottled duskywing, old world swallowtail, pipevine swallowtail, spicebush swallowtail, west virginia white, and zebra swallowtail. There are a few species that are least of concern, other species are endangered or threatened, some are extirpated, others are special concern, and some are rare in Canada. You’ll learn all about each of these butterfly species, what they look like, what is their conservation status, what threatens each of these butterflies, and how to support them in the backyard.

Conservation Terms

When it comes to butterfly species especially specially protected ones, there are different conservation statues which shows where they’re at in the wild. The terms are least concern, endangered, threatened, extirpated, special concern, and rare. Each of these terms are different from one another, and they have a different meaning. You will learn what each of these terms mean in this section.

⚫ Least Concern : A least concern butterfly species is a species that has been categorized by The Committee on The Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada, as evaluated as not being a focus of wildlife conservation because the specific species is still plentiful in the wild. They do not qualify as threatened, near threatened, or conservation dependent.

⚫ Endangered : An endangered butterfly species is a species that is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of their range.

⚫ Threatened : A threatened butterfly species is a species that is likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future.

⚫ Extirpated : A extirpated butterfly species is a species that is no longer found within the province or territory, but they still live elsewhere in the country or in the world.

⚫ Special Concern : A special concern species is a butterfly species that is not yet endangered or threatened, a combination of biological characteristics and identified threats could endanger or threaten it.

 ⚫ Rare : A rare species is a butterfly species that is very uncommon, scarce, or infrequently encountered.

Butterfly Species At Risk

Black Swallowtail with wings closed Photo Credits: txserena from iNaturalist

Male Black Swallowtail Photo Credits: cwcnaturalist from iNaturalist

Female Black Swallowtail Photo Credits: markj13 from iNaturalist

Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes) : The black swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes) is a medium sized butterfly with a wingspan of 3.2 inches. The upper surface of the wings on the black swallowtail is black with row of submarginal cream yellow spots. The black swallowtail has distinct orange eye spots with a black spot in the centre on the hind wings close to the tail.

Male and female black swallowtails both have black wings, but their physical appearances are different from one another. Females have a row of yellow spots that are faint in colour, and an iridescent blue band that is vibrant. Males have a yellow band near the edges of the wings, and the yellow brand is very vibrant and bigger than the yellow spots on females. The males of this butterfly species are much bigger compared to the females. This butterfly is a member of the “Swallowtail Butterfly Family”. The black swallowtail is a least concern butterfly species in the province of Ontario.

The host plants of the black swallowtail are Golden Alexander (Zizia aurea), Heart leaved Alexander (Zizia aptera), Dill (Anethum graveolens), Italian Parsley (Petroselinum crispum), Moss Curled Parsley (Petroselinum crispum), Bronze leaf Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Common Rue (Ruta graveolens), and Queen Anne’s Lace (Daucus carota). Some of the black swallowtail’s favourite native flowering plants for nectar include Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), Dense Blazing Star (Liatris spicata), Scarlet Bee Balm (Monarda didyma), Woodland Stonecrop (Sedum ternatum), Pale Purple Coneflower (Echinacea pallida), Black eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), Tall Ironweed (Vernonia gigantea), Sweet Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum), Cylindrical Blazing Star (Liatris cylindracea), Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata), Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa), Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum), Prairie Coneflower (Ratibida columnifera), Common Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), Field Thistle (Cirsium discolor), Swamp Rose Mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos), and Woodland Sunflower (Helianthus divaricatus).

Bog Elfin Butterfly Photo Credits: joshualincoln from iNaturalist

Bog Elfin (Callophrys lanoraieensis) : The bog elfin (Callophrys lanoraieensis) is a small sized butterfly with a wingspan of 22 to 24 mm. Upperside of females brown; males have more orange. Underside of hindwing has a reduced or obscure pattern and the outer margin is frosted with grey. This butterfly is a member of the “Gossamer - winged Butterflies Family”. The bog elfin is a threatened or an endangered butterfly species in the province of Ontario.

The host plants of the bog elfin are Black Spruce (Picea mariana), Red Spruce ( Picea rubens), and Blue Spruce (Picea pungens). Some of the bog elfin’s favourite native flowering plants for nectar include Northern Spicebush (Lindera benzoin), Pussy Willow (Salix discolor), Common Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana), Lowbush Blueberry (Vaccinium angustifoilum), Weeping Willow (Salix babylonica), Pin Cherry (Prunus pensylvanica), Leatherleaf (Chamaedaphne calyculata), Canada Rosebay (Rhododendron canadense), Purple Chokecherry (Aronia floribunda), and Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum).

Canadian Tiger Swallowtail

Photo Credits: bilby789 from iNaturalist

Canadian Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio canadensis) : The canadian tiger swallowtail (Papilio canadensis) is a large butterfly with a wingspan of 67 to 80 mm. This swallowtail is similar to the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, but it is smaller in size compared to the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail. Upon maturity, the forewings of both sexes display black black stripes against a backdrop of yellowish - white to cream colour, especially notable when the wings are spread wide open. The underside of the wings reveal a continuous band of merged yellow spots, complemented by orange scales on the hindwings, which contributes to their distinctive look.

This species of swallowtail shows no significant visual differences between males and females, which makes them indistinguishable based on appearance alone. This butterfly is a member of the “Swallowtail Butterfly Family”. The canadian tiger swallowtail is a least concern butterfly species in the province of Ontario.

The host plants of the canadian tiger swallowtail are Black Cherry (Prunus serotina), Gray Birch (Betula populifolia), Sweet Crabapple (Malus coronaria), and Pussy Willow (Salix discolor), Some of the canadian tiger swallowtail’s favourite native flowering plants for nectar include Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), Tall Ironweed (Vernonia gigantea), Sweet Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum), Dense Blazing Star (Liatris spicata), Spotted Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium maculatum), Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata), Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) and Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis).

Eastern Giant Swallowtail with wings closed

Photo Credits: corey241 from iNaturalist

Eastern Giant Swallowtail with their wings opened.

Photo Credits:smeisel1 from iNaturalist

Eastern Giant Swallowtail (Papilio cresphontes) : The eastern giant swallowtail (Papilio cresphontes) is a large butterfly. The wingspan of this species depends on the gender of the butterfly. For females their wingspan is between 14 cm and 18 cm, and for males their wingspan is between 15 cm and 19 cm wide. The upper surface of the wings are darkish brown or black colouring, there are two yellow bands converge near the tips of the wings. There is are blue crescents over orange and black eyespots on the inner hindwing. The body of the butterfly is dark with yellow sides. The under surface of the wings is yellow with a blue band and irregularly shaped chestnut patch. The tails on the bottom of their wings are spoon shaped with yellow centres.

With males and females of this species is easy to tell apart from one another, because they have an easy physical appearance to tell the difference. Female Giant Swallowtails are bigger in size, and the male Giant Swallowtails are smaller in size.

This butterfly species is a member of the “Swallowtail Butterfly Family”. The Giant Swallowtail is a least concern butterfly species in the province of Ontario. It is the biggest butterfly species in the province of Ontario.

The host plants of the giant swallowtail are Common Hop Tree (Ptelea trifoliata), Common Prickly Ash (Zanthoxylum americanum), and Common Rue (Ruta graveolens). Some of the giant swallowtail’s favourite native flowering plants for nectar include Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), Tall Ironweed (Vernonia gigantea), Spotted Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium maculatum), Sweet Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum), Dense Blazing Star (Liatris spicata), Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata), Scarlet Bee Balm (Monarda didyma), Grey head Coneflower (Ratibida pinnata), and Tall Coreopsis (Coreopsis tripteris).

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail 

Photo Credits: giulie_speziani from iNaturalist

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) : The eastern tiger swallowtail is a large butterfly, with a wingspan that ranges from 7.9 cm to 14 cm wide. This species of swallowtail is easily identified by its black “tiger stripes”.

Males are yellow with four black "tiger stripes" on each forewing. The outer edge of the forewing is black with a row of yellow spots. The veins are marked with black. The postmedian area of the hindwing is black with yellow spots along the margin. The inner margin of the hindwing has small red and blue spots. The ventral forewing margin has a yellow bar that is broken into spots. This broken bar is present in both sexes, and is used to distinguish eastern tiger swallowtail from its close relatives.

Females are dimorphic, which means it represents two different forms. The yellow morph differs from the male in having a blue postmedian area on the dorsal hindwing. In the dark morph, the areas that are normally yellow are replaced with dark gray or black. The bluish postmedian area on the ventral hindwing has one row of orange spots. A shadow of the “tiger stripes” can be seen on the underside of some females that are darker in colour. This butterfly species is a member of the “Swallowtail Butterfly Family”. The eastern tiger swallowtail is a least concern butterfly species in the province of Ontario.

The host plants of the eastern tiger swallowtail are American Mountain Ash (Sorbus americana), Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera), Eastern Cottonwood (Populus deltoides), Bigtooth Aspen (Populus grandidentata), Balsam Poplar (Populus balsamifera), Wild Cherry (Prunus serotina), and Weeping Willow (Salix babylonica). Some of the eastern tiger swallowtail’s favourite native flowering plants for nectar include Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa), Field Thistle (Cirsium discolor), Spotted Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium maculatum), Sweet Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum), Dense Blazing Star (Liatris spicata), Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata), Scarlet Bee Balm (Monarda didyma), Grey head Coneflower (Ratibida pinnata), and Tall Coreopsis (Coreopsis tripteris).

A Frosted Elfin resting on rocks

Photo Credits: lshepstew from iNaturalist

Frosted Elfin (Callophrys irus) : The frosted elfin (Callophrys irus) is a small butterfly species with a wingspan of 22 to 24 mm in length. The upper side of the wings of the frosted elfin are uniform dark grey brown in colour. The under side of the wings is also largely grey brown, but is variegated with a dusting of pale scales on the outer edge of the hindwing, with a dark spot and an irregular dark line.This butterfly species is a member of the “Gossamer - winged Butterflies Family”. The frosted elfin is an extirpated butterfly species in the province of Ontario.

The host plants of the frosted elfin are Wild Lupine (Lupinus perennis), Blue False Indigo (Baptisia australis), and Showy Rattlebox (Crotalaria spectabilis). Some of the frosted elfin’s favourite native flowering plants as nectar include Wild Blue Lupine (Lupinus perennis), Sweet White Violet (Viola blanda), Bog Violet (Viola conspersa), Canada Violet (Viola canadensis), Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa), and Common Yarrow (Achillea millefolium).

Karner Blue Butterfly with wings closed

Photo Credits: mlanois from iNaturalist

Karner Blue Butterfly with wings opened

Photo Credits: williambarilliums from iNaturalist

Karner Blue Butterfly (Lycaeides melissa samuelis) :  The karner blue (Lycaeides melissa samuelis) is a small sized butterfly species with a wingspan of about an inch in length. The male and female of this small butterfly are different in appearance. The topside of the male is silvery or dark blue with narrow black margins. The female is grayish brown, especially on the outer portions of the wings, to blue on the topside, with irregular bands of orange crescents inside the narrow black border. The underside of both sexes is grey with a continuous band of orange crescents along the edges of both wings and with scattered black spots circled with white.This butterfly species is a member of the “Gossamer - winged Butterflies Family”. The karner blue is an extirpated butterfly species in the province of Ontario.

The host plant of the karner blue butterfly is Wild Lupine (Lupinus perennis). Some of the karner blue butterfly’s favourite native flowering plants for nectar include Wild Lupine (Lupinus perennis), Blue False Indigo (Baptisia australis), Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa), Common Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), Sweet White Violet (Viola blanda), Bog Violet (Viola conspersa), Canada Violet (Viola canadensis), Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), Zigzag Goldenrod (Solidago flexicaulis), Red Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis), and Pale Purple Coneflower (Echinacea pallida).

Monarch Butterfly on Swamp Milkweed

Photo Credits: ek_99 from iNaturalist

Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus) :  The monarch (Danaus plexippus) is a large butterfly with a wingspan reaching 93 - 105 mm. The upper sides of the wings are tawny orange, with the veins and margins are black, and there are two series of small white spots that occur in the margins of the wings. Monarch’s forewings also have a few white spots near their tips. The undersides of the wings are similar to the upper sides. The tips of forewings and hindwings are yellow brown instead of tawny orange and the white spots are larger. The shape and color of the wings change at the beginning of the migration and appear redder and more elongated than later migrants.

Male and female Monarchs look similar in colour, but their physical appearance is different from one another. The males are more of a bright orange colour, they have a small black dot on each of their bottom wings, at the end of their abdomen there is a set of claspers, which helps the males attach to the females better when mating occurs. They have thinner black wing veins, and a smaller abdomen. The females are more of a dark reddish orange in colour, they don’t have a small black dot on their bottom wings, there is not a set of claspers at the end of their abdomen. They’re slightly smaller in size than the males, the black wing veins are thicker and wider, and their abdomen is quite larger than the males. This butterfly is a member of the “Brush - footed Butterflies Family”. The monarch butterfly is an endangered butterfly species in the province of Ontario.

The host plants for the monarch butterfly include Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), and Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa). Some of the monarch butterfly’s favourite native flowering plants for nectar include Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), Common Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), Dense Blazing Star (Liatris spicata), Spotted Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium maculatum), Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata), Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum), Field Thistle (Cirsium discolor), Scarlet Bee Balm (Monarda didyma), Grey head Coneflower (Ratibida pinnata), Tall Coreopsis (Coreopsis tripteris), Zigzag Goldenrod (Solidago flexicaulis), Black eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), and Pale Purple Coneflower (Echinacea pallida).

A Mottled Duskywing Butterfly on white flowers.

Photo Credits: phyllisnewbie from iNaturalist

Mottled Duskywing (Erynnis martialis) : The mottled duskywing (Erynnis martialis) is a small sized butterfly species with a wingspan of 25 - 29 mm in length. It is dark grey with yellow brown spots on their hindwings, that give this species their mottled appearance and name. The wings of freshly emerged adults have a purplish iridescence that fades with age.

This butterfly species is a member of the “Skipper Butterfly Family”. The mottled duskywing butterfly is an endangered butterfly species in the province of Ontario.

The host plants of the mottled duskywing are New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus), and Prairie Redroot (Ceanothus herbaceous). Some of the mottled duskywing’s favourite native flowering plants for nectar include Hoary Vervain (Verbena stricta), Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata), Azure Bluet (Houstonia caerulea), Virginia Spiderwort (Tradescantia virginiana), Black eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), and Pale Purple Coneflower (Echinacea pallida), Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), Bu tterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa), Dense Blazing Star (Liatris spicata), Spotted Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium maculatum), and Tall Coreopsis (Coreopsis tripteris).

A Old World Swallowtail with their wings closed.

Photo Credits: sergemonneret from iNaturalist

A Old World Swallowtail Butterfly with it's wings opened.

Photo Credits: christinalaszlo from iNaturalist

Old World Swallowtail (Papilio machaon) : The old world swallowtail (Papilio machaon) is a medium sized butterfly species with a wingspan of 65 - 86 mm in length. The upper side of hindwing near the tail has reddish - orange eyespot with black along lower border touching inner edge of hindwing or at least not a centered eyespot.This butterfly species is a member of the “Swallowtail Butterfly Family”. The old world swallowtail is a special concern species in the province of Ontario.

The host plants of the old world swallowtail are Milk Parsley (Peucedanum palustre), and Bronze leaf Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare dulce rubrum). The odd time this butterfly will use Dill (Anethum graveolens), or Common Rue (Ruta graveolens). Some of the old world swallowtail’s favourite native flowering plants for nectar include Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa), Purple Milkweed (Asclepias purpurascens), Arrow leaf Balsamroot (Balsamorhiza sagittata), Red Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja miniata), Field Thistle (Cirsium discolor), Dense Blazing Star (Liatris spicata), Woodland Stonecrop (Sedum ternatum), Prickly Wild Rose (Rosa acicularis), Canadian Anemone (Anemone canadensis), Black eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata), and Hoary Vervain (Verbena stricta).

A Pipevine Swallowtail Butterfly on Wild Bergamot with their wings closed.

Photo Credits: gjpinat from iNaturalist

A Pipevine Swallowtail Butterfly relaxing with it's wings opened.

Photo Credits: coronadogim from iNaturalist

Pipevine Swallowtail Butterfly (Battus philenor) : The pipevine swallowtail (Battus philenor) is a medium sized butterfly species with a wingspan of 7 to 13 cm in length. Male and female pipevine swallowtails are both black, but their physical appearance is different from one another. The dorsal wings of an adult male pipevine swallowtail, are black with vibrant blue iridescence on the hindwings. On an adult female pipevine swallowtail the blue iridescence on their wings in duller in appearance. Bright orange spots are visible on the back end of the ventral wings.This butterfly species is a member of the “Swallowtail Butterfly Family”. The pipevine swallowtail is a butterfly species that is special concern in the province of Ontario.

The host plant for the pipevine swallowtail butterfly is the Dutchman’s Pipevine (Aristolochia macrophylla). Some of the pipevine swallowtail’s favourite native flowering plants for nectar include Field Thistle (Cirsium discolor), Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), Dense Blazing Star (Liatris spicata), Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata), Hoary Vervain (Verbena stricta), Woodland Phlox (Phlox divaricata), Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa), Tall Ironweed (Vernonia gigantea), Black eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), Pale Purple Coneflower (Echinacea pallida), Woodland Stonecrop (Sedum ternatum), Spotted Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium maculatum), Tall Coreopsis (Coreopsis tripteris), Scarlet Bee Balm (Monarda didyma), Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum), Grey head Coneflower (Ratibida pinnata), Purple Milkweed (Asclepias purpurascens), and Zigzag Goldenrod (Solidago flexicaulis).

A Spicebush Swallowtail on a pink flower with their wings closed.

Photo Credits: shelbynsanders from iNaturalist

A Spicebush Swallowtail on a Buttonbush with it's wings opened.

Photo Credits: andyfrank from iNaturalist 

Spicebush Swallowtail Butterfly (Papilio troilus) : The spicebush swallowtail (Papilio troilus) is a medium sized butterfly, with a wingspan of 3 to 4 inches wide. The wings and the body of adult spicebush swallowtail are black in colour. The forewings have a row of white spots near the outer margin and another small row on the margin. The hind wings are black with two orange spots, a row of spots that fade from white to pale blue and a conspicuous pale blue area.This butterfly species is a member of the “Swallowtail Butterfly Family”. The spicebush swallowtail butterfly is a least concern butterfly.

The host plants of the spicebush swallowtail are Northern Spicebush (Lindera benzoin), and Sassafras (Sassafras albidum). Some of the spicebush swallowtail’s favourite native flowering plants for nectar include Field Thistle (Cirsium discolor), Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa), Fly Honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea), Pink Honeysuckle (Lonicera hispidula), Tall Ironweed (Vernonia gigantea), Black eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), Pale Purple Coneflower (Echinacea pallida), Woodland Stonecrop (Sedum ternatum), Spotted Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium maculatum), Tall Coreopsis (Coreopsis tripteris), and Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa).

A West Virginia White butterfly resting on a stem of a plant with it's wings closed.

Photo Credits: callicladium from iNaturalist

A West Virginia White butterfly resting on a leaf with it's wings opened.

Photo Credits: dvollmar from iNaturalist

West Virginia White Butterfly (Pieris virginiensis) : The west virginia white butterfly (Pieris virginiensis) is a small sized butterfly with a wingspan of 4.5 - 5.5 cm in length. Wings are translucent, whitish, with no yellowish tint underneath. Underside of hindwings with blurry brown or pale grey scaling along veins. This butterfly species is a member of the “Whites & Sulphurs Butterfly Family”. The west virginia white butterfly is an endangered butterfly species in the province of Ontario.

The host plants of the west virginia white butterfly are Cutleaf Toothwort (Cardamine concatenata), and Two - leaved Toothwort (Dentaria diphylla). Some of the west virginia white’s favourite native flowering plants for nectar include Sweet White Violet (Viola blanda), Bog Violet (Viola conspersa), Canada Violet (Viola canadensis), Birdfoot Violet (Viola pedata), Downy Yellow Violet (Viola pubescens), Woolly Blue Violet (Viola sororia), Cutleaf Toothwort (Cardamine concatenata), Two - leaved Toothwort (Dentaria diphylla), Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum), Field Thistle (Cirsium discolor), Dense Blazing Star (Liatris spicata), Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), Tall Ironweed (Vernonia gigantea), Black eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), Pale Purple Coneflower (Echinacea pallida), Azure Blue Sage (Salvia azurea).

A Zebra Swallowtail relaxing on a leaf with it's wings opened.

Photo Credits: allenbryan from iNaturalist

Zebra Swallowtail Butterfly (Eurytides marcellus) : The zebra swallowtail is a large sized butterfly, with a wingspan of 6.4 to 10.4 cm in length. When this butterfly reaches mature adulthood it showcases a set of wings that are triangular in shape with beautiful unique patterns. The zebra swallowtail’s wings present a memorizing display of white to greenish - white bases with black stripes. This butterfly has blue and red spots on their bottom wings. The butterfly also has long tails on their bottom wings, which are much longer than on other swallowtail butterflies.

For males and females there is little to no difference from the genders in physical appearance, so this allows for a uniform beauty across the species. This butterfly species is a member of the “Swallowtail Butterfly Family”. The zebra swallowtail is a rare butterfly species, and a special concern butterfly species in the province of Ontario.

The host plant for the zebra swallowtail is Common Pawpaw (Asimina triloba). Some of the zebra swallowtail’s favourite native flowering plants for nectar include Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis), Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), Hoary Vervain (Verbena stricta), Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata), Common Blackberry (Rubus allegheniensis), Lowbush Blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium), Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum), and Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis).

Reasoning For Being At Risk

The butterfly species that are up above are specially protected butterfly species in the province of Ontario, and there are many reasons as to why these butterfly species are protected and threatened in nature. You will learn all about the reasoning as to why each butterfly species are at risk. Each butterfly species has different reasoning as to what is causing them to be threatened, and why they have the conservation statuses that they have.

️ The black swallowtail butterfly is threatened by habitat loss, climate change, pollution, and the introduction to exotic species.

 The bog elfin butterfly is threatened by habitat loss and hydrologic alteration which disrupts the natural flooding of its habitat.

 The canadian tiger swallowtail butterfly is threatened by the human impact on their ecosystem, habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change.

️ The eastern giant swallowtail butterfly is threatened by habitat loss, the lack of their host plant which is Common Hop Tree, pesticide use, pollution, the introduction to exotic species, and commercial exploitation.

 The eastern tiger swallowtail butterfly is threatened by habitat disruptions, habitat loss, pesticide use, the introduction of exotic plant species and insect species, and commercial exploitation.

 The frosted elfin butterfly is threatened by habitat loss, exclusion of disturbance such as fire, the lack of their host plants which are Wild Lupine and Blue False Indigo, pesticide use, mosquito spraying, and the lack of their habitats.

 The karner blue butterfly is threatened by habitat loss, habitat degradation, the lack of wild lupine habitat, the lack of forest habitat, pesticide use, mosquito spraying, and the increase in human population.

 The monarch butterfly is threatened by pesticide use, climate change, ongoing suburban sprawl, fragmented habitat, poisoned habitats, habitat disruptions, deforestation, the lack of forest habitats, the lack of Milkweed habitats, the lack of native plant habitats, the lack of roosting areas, invasive plant species such as Dogbane and Dog Strangling Vine, the introduction towards exotic insect species, and the spraying for mosquitoes and the life cycle of the spongy moth.

 The mottled duskywing butterfly is threatened by the destruction of their habitat by human development, habitat fragmentation, pesticide use, the lack of their host plant called New Jersey Tea, the lack of native plant habitats, and the spraying for mosquitoes and spongy moths.

 The old world swallowtail butterfly is threatened by habitat loss, the lack of open woodland and prairie habitats, pesticide use, habitat disruptions, pollution, the increase in human population, and the introduction of exotic plants and insects.

 The pipevine swallowtail butterfly is threatened by habitat alteration and destruction, deforestation, agricultural conversion and intensification, pesticide use, industrial and urbanization, pollution, exotic introductions, the lack of native plant habitats, and the lack of their host plant which is the Dutchman’s Pipevine.

 The spicebush swallowtail butterfly is threatened by the mortality of it’s caterpillar host plants from laurel wilt fungus, habitat loss, pesticide use, the lack of native plant habitats, the lack of their host plants Northern Spicebush and Sassafras, the introduction of exotic plant species and insect species, and the effects of habitat disruption by human development.

 The west virginia white butterfly is threatened by forest fragmentation, habitat loss, habitat disruptions, the lack of deciduous woods habitat, the lack of native forest wildflowers, the lack of their host plant Toothwort, introduction to exotic species, and the invasive plant species called Garlic Mustard.

 The Zebra swallowtail butterfly is threatened by habitat destruction, pollution, the introduction of invasive plant species and insect species, commercial exploitation, pesticide use, the lack of their host plant called Common Pawpaw, and the lack of native plant habitats.

Ways To Attract & Support These Butterflies In The Yard

 Avoid using pesticides and insecticides in the yard, because these chemicals are super harmful towards our ecosystems, environment, the life cycles of these butterflies, and other beneficial insects. The exposure of these chemicals can make the caterpillars of these butterfly species very sick where they end up dying, the butterflies that develop inside their chrysalids have a chance where they may not make it out of their chrysalids when it is time for emergence, and will make other beneficial insects sick or have a painful death.
 

 Avoid using any herbicide on your property such as Round Up or Glyphosate, because these chemicals will harm the plants that these butterflies use as host plants and nectar sources. Herbicides will make the plants look normal with the naked eye and towards the butterflies, but they are infected by chemicals that show hidden effects on the plants. If caterpillars of the butterflies eat the infected plants they will throw up from the poison, and they may end up dying from the exposure of the herbicides. If butterflies and other pollinators pollinate the flowers on infected plants, they will get sick and spread the exposure of the herbicides to other plants and species.

 Create a butterfly habitat in your backyard that attracts and supports these butterfly species that are at risk.

 Add host plants for the butterfly species on your property. These special plants will support the life cycle of these butterflies by providing a place for the females to lay their eggs, a food source for the caterpillars once they hatch, and a nectar source for the adult butterflies.

 Plant a few of the butterfly species favourite nectar sources. This will provide a variety of food for the mature adult butterflies, as well for the other beneficial insects.

 Consider planting native plants that are native to your area on your property. Not only native plants will provide habitat for a variety of insects, they will also provide the proper nutrients; minerals, and proteins that butterflies and other pollinators need to thrive and flourish out in the wild.

 Consider planting a native ornamental grass on your property such as Little Bluestem, Big Bluestem, Switchgrass, Indian Grass, or Canada Wild Rye. A native ornamental grass will not only provide shelter for mature adult butterflies and other insects, but it will also provide a food source for many local butterfly caterpillars.

 Consider planting a native shrub on your property such as Red Osier Dogwood, Common Snowberry, Pagoda Dogwood, Elderberry, Ninebark, Purple Flowering Raspberry, Wild Strawberry, or Red Elderberry. A native shrub will not only provide shelter for mature adult butterflies and other beneficial insects, but they will also provide a food source for many local caterpillars and small animals like birds and squirrels.

 Consider planting annual flowers on your property such as Autumn Beauty Sunflowers, Teddy Bear Sunflowers, Tall Sun Gold Sunflowers, Zinnias, Lantana, Verbena, Pentas, Salvia, Gerber Daisies, Dahlias, Snapdragons, and Marigolds. Annual flowers will not only provide nectar for mature adult butterflies and other beneficial insects; but they will also provide a variety of colour, pollen, and nectar for a long period of time.

 Consider planting native flowering plants that bloom in the fall such as Zigzag Goldenrod, New England Aster, Spotted Joe Pye Weed, Canada Goldenrod, Tall Goldenrod, Stiff Goldenrod, Smooth Blue Aster, Sweet Joe Pye Weed, Early Goldenrod, False Sunflower, Woodland Sunflower, Heart - leaved Aster, and Large - leaved Aster. The native flowering plants that bloom in the fall are rich in nectar, will provide a food source for many of our local butterflies and bees during the fall months before they hibernate or migrate, provides shelter for many beneficial insects and bugs, and they will also provide a food source for many songbirds and small animals.

 Place a bunch of flat smooth rocks throughout your property especially near nectar sources. These smooth flat rocks will provide a resting spot for mature adult butterflies so they can sunbask in the sun in order to get their energies back.

 Establish a ‘butterfly puddling’ area in your backyard. Select a shallow, flat dish or container and fill it with non-sterilized soil or sand. Incorporate a few flat rocks to serve as resting spots for the butterflies. Add water to the dish or container until the soil is moist but not flooded. Lastly, lightly sprinkle some sea salt on the surface. If you don’t have sea salt, regular salt will do. This setup will attract butterflies and provide them with essential minerals they need for survival. Remember to keep the soil moist and replenish the sea salt periodically.*

 Establish a ‘butterfly feeding’ area in your backyard. Select a shallow flat dish or plate like a plant saucer. Cut up pieces of fermented fruit such as oranges, peaches, watermelon, cantaloupe, grapefruit, pineapple, or strawberries. Place the fruit slices all around the floor of the flat and shallow item that you have chosen. Then place it up high in a location where the butterflies will spot it, and to keep the ants away. You will need to replace the fruit like twice or three times a day, because the fruit will be out in the hot sun throughout the day. When it becomes dusk or right before dusk bring in the butterfly feeding station, because to prevent unwanted visitors from coming by and to prevent airborne particles touching the fruit. Each morning you can bring out the butterfly feeding station. *

 In the spring time let the Red Clover, White Clover, and Wild Violets grow on your lawn on your property. These will provide nectar sources for some of our local butterflies that emerge in the spring, and they will also provide a food source for a variety of local butterfly caterpillars.

 In the fall leave a good layer of leaf litter in your gardens. This will provide shelter and a winter home for many of our beneficial insects, and for local butterfly caterpillars that overwinter and hibernate in leaf litter for the winter months. Let the leaf litter be in the garden because they will also provide good nutrients and protection for the plants that are in your garden.

 Leave old logs on your property and especially in your garden(s) during the fall through the following spring. This will provide shelter for many beneficial insects, and will also give beneficial insects like local caterpillars and lady beetles a winter home.

 Leave old plant material up and don’t take it down until you see new growth starting. This will provide a structure for butterfly chrysalids to hang on, and will provide homes for many of our native bee species during the winter months.

 Delay garden clean up till temperatures are above 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day and at time, which is usually near the may long weekend. This will provide the beneficial insects; pollinators, and other bugs a safe place to stay till the warm weather comes, and will give them extra time to wake up from their winter naps.

️ Even though providing a butterfly puddling station and a butterfly feeding area are great ways to attract butterflies, these ways are alternative ways to attract and support butterflies. The best way to attract and support butterflies is by planting host plants, and native flowering plants. By planting host plants and native flowering plants they will support the life cycle of a variety of local butterfly species especially the species that are at risk, by providing a food source for the caterpillars for when they hatch and nectar sources for the adult butterflies. Native plants not only provide habitat but they also provide butterflies and other insects with the nutrients; proteins, and minerals that they need in order survive and thrive.