We hope that each of you, our readers, will enjoy and appreciate this article we present about these 3 Beautiful Butterflies of Canada. It was certainly our pleasure to compile the information for you. May it provide you with both education and increased awareness.
These few species listed herein represent only a portion of the natural wonders found throughout the region, though. Yet, it’s our belief that they serve as excellent representations of the wonders found here. Check out some of our other articles for similar marvels.
Small Copper
Small Copper Facts
- Starting off this article about these 3 Beautiful Butterflies of Canada comes the dainty marvel of Nature simply known as the Small Copper.
- This lovely small creation of Nature and evolution is most frequently referred to by the descriptive common name for obvious reasons. It does have a few other, generally used titles, though. Those include the terms common copper and American copper.
- Within scientific circles, though, the Lepidoptera’s more often called by its technical title. That moniker, however, although short, remains rather difficult for the layperson to pronounce. That’s because it holds the official name of the Lycaena phlaeas.
- It received that specific name due to the efforts of the esteemed Swedish zoologist, Carl Linnaeus. The researcher accomplished the first formal recognition of it as a separate and distinct species. That scientifically noteworthy event occured in the year 1761.
- Intriguingly, entomologists consider the beautiful creature to have around 2 dozen subpscies! Some controversy surrounds this belief, though, among their peers. Many of these are under consideration for elevation to the status of separate species.
- Thankfully, the delicate Small Copper seems to be maintaining a sufficient and stable population base. That fortunate situation further appears to hold true throughout its entire range. The IUCN, therefore, presently has no listing for in on the Red List.
- Nevertheless, the tiny marvel faces the same potential threats to its existence as most species do. Like those other creatures, most of these stem from the actions of humans. They include such perils as habitat loss, and, of course, ongoing climate change.
Small Copper Physical Description
The gorgeous Small Copper qualifies as a true delight to encounter. It makes a pleasant sight in its surroundings, and impresses the viewer for different reasons. Sheer size isn’t among those, though. That’s true since, as the name suggests, it’s a small butterfly.
It also follows the pattern common to many of its relatives regarding physical description. That’s the fact that it displays a degree of the physiological characteristic of sexual dimorphism. In its case, this trait manifests itself in terms of pure physical dimensions.
More precisely, females of the species attain a greater average wingspan than their male counterparts. That disparity remains minor, however. Females reach an average wing width of 0.6 in (1.5 cm). The wings of the males, meanwhile average approximately 0.52 in (1.3 cm).
Otherwise, individuals of both genders present the same basic pattern of appearance. The upper side of the forewing shows an orange background, with black spots. It also has a dark outer marging. But the underside shows a paler orange with black spots and a small band.
The hindwings of the beautiful Small Copper show a different pattern, however. This consists of a grayish upperside, accompanied by an orange border and a row of black spots. The underside, though, presents as powder white with an orange band and black spots.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Family: Lycaenidae
- Genus: Lycaena
- Species: L. phlaeas
Small Copper Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
The marvel known best as the Small Copper evolved as native to a surprisingly wide expanse of the globe. That exact zone of habitation, however, remains very specific. That’s because it developed as endemic to certain parts of Asia, Europe, northern Africa, and North America.
Within that greater area, though, it only appears in the more northerly sections. In North America, that range includes the northern and central parts of Canada and the United States. In Europe and Asia, it also appears in most of the northern sections of the continents.
Nature provided this wonder with an advantage in its habitat preferences. That’s true since it displays a fairly strong acceptance of multiple habitat types. It does, however, need a temperate climate. It also shows a surprising fondness for disturbed areas to call home.
This includes a wide range of ecosystems. The invertebrate appears in such diverse locations as grassland, savanna, mountainous regions, and even warmer parts of the tundra. It also often inhabits such sites as open fields, meadows, urban parks, and even back yards.
Mating period for the Small Copper extends from early spring through autumn. Females lay a single egg in multiple locations, such as stones, plants, even wooden boards. Adults feed on the nectar of a wide variety of locally available plants, and live for up to one year.
Monarch Butterfly
Monarch Butterfly Facts
- Our next choice for inclusion in this collection of 3 Beautiful Butterflies of Canada is the world-renowned invertebrate known as the Monarch Butterfly.
- This breathtaking creation of Nature and evolution most frequently goes by the well deserved name across its extensive territory. It has other less often used titles, though. These include such terms as common tiger, wanderer, and black-veined brown.
- Inside of scientific communities, however, it’s better known by its official moniker. Fortunately for the layperson, that’s a comparatively simple title, as such things go. That’s because this marvelous Lepidoptera bears the official name of Danaus plexippus.
- The invertebrate received that name due to the efforts of the esteemed Swedish zoologist, Carl Linnaeus. He recorded the first recognition of the creature as a separate and distinct species. The researcher accomplished this feat in the year 1758.
- A total of three species actually bear the same general appellation. The specific one referred to in this article, though, is the best known and most commonly referred to. A total of six acknowledged subspecies of the insect also exist across the globe.
- The gorgeous Monarch Butterfly inhabits a moderately large range. It also engages in impressive seasonal migrations. Sadly, the amazing beauty now finds itself in danger. Accordingly, the IUCN thus lists it as Endangered on its Red List of Threatened Species.
- It now faces many threats to its existence. That’s true in both short and long term. Most of these, though, stem from human activities. Human herbicide use has killed much of its food source. It also now faces the same threat of climate change as we all do.
Monarch Butterfly Physical Description
The captivating Monarch Butterfly fully merits appreciation by those who encounter it. Unlike some of its many relatives, though, it does so for several reasons. Its sheer beauty certainly qualifies as one factor. Yet it also boasts some impressive statistics in terms of size.
It does follow one pattern that’s common among its kind, as well. That’s due to the fact that the insect displays a degree of sexual dimorphism. In its case, this physiological trait manifests itself in terms of both size and appearance. As the name implies, its regal.
Physically, males of the species attain a slightly greater wingspan than their female counterparts. But they also display a small difference in terms of appearance. It’s a very minor one, though. On one vein on each hindwing of the males, a tiny black spot displays.
Otherwise, the two genders of the Arthropod present a very similar structure. The wings of both sexes reach an average width of approximately 3.5 – 4 in (8.9 – 10.2 cm). The body, meanwhile, develops as elongated, mostly black, except for a few white spots on the head.
It’s the wings of the aptly-named Monarch Butterfly that garner the most attention, however. The uppersides typically present a tawny orange hue. The many veins of the wings also show black, along with their margins. Two series of small white spots also line those edges.
The forewings additionally show small orange spots near the tips. The undersides displays similar, but not identical patterns. Their hindwings are yellowish brown, with larger white spots. Its forewings also manifest the same yellowish-brown color on their tips.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arhropoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Family: Nymphalidae
- Genus: Danaua
- Species: D. plexippus
Monarch Butterfly Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
The stunning Monarch Butterly evolved as native to a relatively broad swathe of the world. The sheer scope of that range might surprise some people, though. That’s true since this insect marvel appears in parts of both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
Part of that extends from southern Canada, in North America, to southern South America. It’s also found in Hawaii, Bermuda, the Cook Islands, and other islands in the Caribbean. From there, it also appears from Australia to the Philippines, and as far as Morocco.
This wonder of evolution developed as primarily present in several specific habitat types. Yet it does display some versatility and adaptability. Most individuals, however, make their home in regions consisting of either meadows, grasslands, praries, and along roadsides.
Most further display a strong preference for the presence of other determining factors. These include such things as proximity to smaller streams, and areas of sufficient sunlight. The awesome creature additionally prefers the presence of sufficient roosting plant life.
The magnificent Monarch Butterfly is also famous for its massive migrations. A majority of the population migrates to a singly location in Mexico for the winter. Following this, the female lays her eggs during the return trip. These she places on the underside of leaves.
Those eggs most commonly appear on the foliage of milkweed. Despite their toxicity to most species, the larvae consume them vorcaciously. Adults typically live 2 -5 weeks. During that time, they too consume vast quantities of nectar from a wide variety of flora.
Mormon Metalmark
Mormon Metalmark Facts
- Closing out this gathering of these 3 Beautiful Butterflies of Canada we present the creation of evolution named the Mormon Metalmark.
- The unique term applied to it here serves as the common name for a stunning small Lepidoptera. Its scientific name, however, remains harder to pronounce. That’s because scientists known the species by the term of Apodemia mormo.
- Regardless of which term one uses, though, one statistic stands out. That’s the simple fact that it’s the widest ranging of any member of its Family in its region. All members of that group are referred to as metalmarks, due to a distinctive feature.
- The first scientific recognition of the creature as a separate and distinct species occurred in 1859. Uniquely, though, this took place as a result of the combined work of a father and son team. The two men were Baron Cajetan von Felder, and his son Rudolf.
- For the moment, the IUCN has no listing of the Mormon Metalmark on its Red List of Threatened Species. The insect nevertheless faces numerous potential threats to its existence. These include such factors as isolated distribution and low genetic diversity.
- Its greatest threat, however, comes from the same danger facing a vast number of species today. That peril, not surprisingly, consists of the effects of climate change. The other dangers it faces only serve to augment its susceptibility to the former.
Mormon Metalmark Physical Description
The magnificent Mormon Metalmark ably proves the point that Beauty in Nature comes in all sizes, as well as shapes. That’s true since this particular Lepidoptera evolved as relatively tiny in size. This is a trait shared by many members of its Family, in point of fact.
The amazing arthropod also shares yet another trait with many of its kin throughout the world. It displays a small degree of the physiological characteristic of sexual dimorphism. In its case, this actually manifests itself in two completely different manners.
The first of these gender differences appears in terms of size. More precisely, females tend to attain a slightly greater wingspan than males. Overall, however, the species remains quite diminutive. That’s because this averages between 1.0 -1.35 in (25 – 35 mm).
Next, however, comes the other sexually based physical variations. It’s also a highly distinctive one. The females actually have more functional legs than males! They have three functioning pairs of legs. Males, meanwhile, make do with only two working pairs.
In appearance, though, the Mormon Metalmark varies across its range. That’s because of variations developed among widely scattered population concentrations. Some display combinations of gray and brown, with white spots. Others present red and orange shades.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Family: Riodinidae
- Genus: Apodemia
- Species: A. mormo
Mormon Metalmark Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
The gorgeous Mormon Metalmark inhabits a comparatively broad section of the world. Though relatively extensive, that range nonetheless consists of only a limited section of one specific continent. More precisely, the wonderful insect inhabits part of North America.
Within that continent, it inhabits all three countries. It does so, however, in disjointed concentrations. In Mexico, the beautiful creature lives in only a tiny portion of the extreme northern edge of the country. In Canada, it only lives in the deep southwest of the country.
By far the greatest portion of its range and population lies within the United States, however. There, its presence extends from the west to mid-west parts of the country. This mainly consists of the states of California, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and Washington.
Wherever it appears, though, the wondrous Mormon Metalmark displays strong preferences in its choice of habitat. The vast majority of both population groupings and individuals live in one specific type of ecosystem. That type of region consists of dry, arid habitats.
It further prefers the presence of a high concentration of various forms of one specific plant. That strongly preferred host consists of what’s known as the buckwheat plant. This holds true due to the fact that its larva evolved a highly specific dependence on the flora species.
Given that plants presence, though, it remains an other wise highly adaptable creature. As a result, it lives in regions of grasslands, dune regions, and even gravelly deserts. Along with the predators common to butterflies, it also falls prey to a parasitic wasp.
3 Beautiful Butterflies of Canada
We hope that each of you enjoyed reading, and hopefully learning from, this article we’ve written about these 3 Beautiful Butterflies of Canada. It’s also our hope that doing so has left you with either a new or renewed appreciation for such wonders of Nature.
Unfortunately, however, many of their kindred around the world now find themselves facing strong threats to their continued existence as a species. Many of those dangers, in fact, stem from the actions of mankind. We must do all we can to protect and preserve them all.
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