30 Butterfly Species in Saskatchewan
Welcome to the fascinating world of butterflies in Saskatchewan! This diverse region is home to 30 unique butterfly species, each flaunting their own striking colors and patterns.
Join me as we embark on a journey to discover and appreciate these remarkable creatures native to the Saskatchewan landscape.
Canadian Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio canadensis)
The Canadian Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio canadensis) is a fascinating butterfly species native to Saskatchewan.
They grace the province with their bright colors and add beauty to the landscape.
Here’s a look at this lovely species:
- Habitat: Canadian Tiger Swallowtails inhabit deciduous and mixed forests, open woodland areas, as well as gardens and parks.
- Appearance: They have striking yellow wings with black tiger-like stripes. Their hindwings have blue and orange spots near the tail.
- Size: These butterflies have a wingspan of 2.4 to 4 inches, making them relatively large among the butterfly species in Saskatchewan.
- Diet: As adults, they feed on nectar from flowers such as cherry, lilac, and thistles. Their caterpillars munch on the leaves of trees like aspen, birch, and willow.
- Reproduction: Males seek receptive females, and after mating, females lay eggs on the host plants where the caterpillars will feed.
- Lifespan: The adult life span is about 10 to 20 days, during which they focus on feeding and reproduction.
- Host Plants: Females lay their eggs on plants that their caterpillars can eat, such as aspen, poplar, and willow trees.
So, next time you come across a Canadian Tiger Swallowtail in Saskatchewan, take a moment to appreciate its beauty and the interesting aspects of its life cycle.
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus)
The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail is a gorgeous butterfly species that can be spotted in Saskatchewan.
Boasting bright colors and recognizable patterns, this butterfly adds an air of grace to its surroundings.
Below is a closer look at the features of the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail:
- Habitat: Found in various habitats such as woodlands, gardens, and along riverbanks, this species enjoys sunlit, open spaces full of flowers.
- Appearance: Males have yellow wings with black stripes, resembling a tiger, while females can display either similar yellow coloration or a blue-black variation.
- Size: With a wingspan ranging from 6.5 to 11 centimeters, they are considered medium to large butterflies.
- Diet: Adults feed on nectar from various flowers, as well as tree sap and decaying fruit, while their caterpillars munch on leaves of host plants.
- Reproduction: Females lay their eggs on host plants, typically on the underside of leaves to protect them from predators.
- Lifespan: Eastern Tiger Swallowtails live for about a month as adults, with their entire life cycle spanning approximately two months.
- Host Plants: Caterpillars rely on leaves from deciduous trees and shrubs like wild cherry, tulip tree, and willow species.
Two-tailed Swallowtail (Papilio multicaudata)
The Two-tailed Swallowtail is an exquisite butterfly species native to Saskatchewan.
Its striking beauty and unique characteristics easily distinguish it from other swallowtails in the region.
This butterfly is a sight to behold, and a must-see for any nature enthusiast or butterfly lover.
- Habitat: These butterflies can be found in various habitats, including riparian areas, open woodlands, and mountain canyons.
- Appearance: They have a distinct yellow color, with black tiger stripes on the wings. The two tails on the hind wings give this butterfly its name.
- Size: The Two-tailed Swallowtail boasts a wingspan of about 3.5 to 5 inches, making it one of the larger butterflies in the region.
- Diet: These butterflies primarily feed on nectar from flowers of a variety of plants.
- Reproduction: Like many other butterfly species, the Two-tailed Swallowtail undergoes complete metamorphosis. Females lay their eggs on leaves of suitable host plants.
- Lifespan: Adult Two-tailed Swallowtails have a relatively short life expectancy of approximately 2 to 3 weeks.
- Host Plants: Caterpillars of this species feed on various species of trees and shrubs, such as willow, chokecherry, and ash species.
Keep an eye out for these stunning creatures when exploring Saskatchewan’s diverse habitats, and enjoy their captivating beauty.
Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes)
The Black Swallowtail is a fascinating butterfly species that can be found in the beautiful province of Saskatchewan.
Here’s an overview of this striking butterfly:
- Habitat: Black Swallowtails are often seen in open fields, gardens, meadows, and near rivers or marshes.
- Appearance: They sport a striking black color with yellow spots along the edge of their wings, and blue and orange accents near their tail.
- Size: Black Swallowtails have a wingspan of about 3.1 to 4.3 inches (8-11 cm), making them a medium-sized butterfly.
- Diet: Adult Black Swallowtails primarily feed on nectar from flowers such as milkweed, thistle, and red clover.
- Reproduction: After mating, female Black Swallowtails lay their eggs singly on host plants, usually from May to August.
- Lifespan: The Black Swallowtail has a relatively short adult life, living about 10 to 12 days after emerging from its chrysalis.
- Host Plants: The caterpillars of this species feed on plants in the parsley family, such as Queen Anne’s lace, dill, fennel, and carrot.
Now that you know more about the Black Swallowtail, be sure to keep an eye out for this stunning butterfly during your outdoor adventures in Saskatchewan.
Short-tailed Swallowtail (Papilio brevicauda)
The Short-tailed Swallowtail is a captivating butterfly species that you can come across in Saskatchewan.
To get to know this stunning creature better, let’s delve into some fascinating details about its life:
- Habitat: This butterfly primarily inhabits the coastal regions, wooded areas, and even the prairies of Saskatchewan.
- Appearance: Short-tailed Swallowtail exhibits striking black and yellow markings, with a hint of blue on their wings. Their most distinctive feature is the short tail on their hind wings.
- Size: The wingspan of these butterflies ranges between 6 to 9 cm, making them a medium-sized swallowtail species.
- Diet: As adults, Short-tailed Swallowtails feed on flower nectar from plants such as wild cherry, milkweed, and goldenrod.
- Reproduction: Once mating occurs, the females lay their eggs on the host plants, which later hatch into caterpillars.
- Lifespan: The complete life cycle of Short-tailed Swallowtail spans from egg to adult, lasting around 30 to 60 days.
- Host Plants: Larvae of this butterfly species primarily feed on various cherry and plum trees and different native plants in Saskatchewan.
Now that you’ve learned about the Short-tailed Swallowtail, keep an eye out for this stunning species on your next outing in Saskatchewan’s beautiful landscape.
Monarch (Danaus plexippus)
The Monarch butterfly is one of the most well-known and beloved butterfly species in North America.
Known for its incredible mass migration, the Monarch is an amazing and fascinating creature that can’t be missed when exploring the butterfly species of Saskatchewan.
Here are some quick facts about this beautiful insect:
- Habitat: Monarchs are found in wooded areas, particularly near milkweed plants, as well as gardens and meadows.
- Appearance: Easily recognized by their large wings and bright orange color with black veins and white spots along the edges.
- Size: Wingspan ranges from 3.7 to 4.1 inches (9 to 10 centimeters).
- Diet: Adult Monarchs feed on the nectar of various plants, while the caterpillars have a specific diet consisting mainly of milkweed leaves.
- Reproduction: Females lay their eggs on the underside of milkweed leaves, which is also the primary food source for the larvae.
- Lifespan: Adults live for around 2-6 weeks, but the generation that migrates to Mexico can live up to 8 months.
- Host Plants: The main host plant for Monarchs is the milkweed, which acts as both a food source for the caterpillars and a reproductive site for egg-laying.
The fascinating Monarch butterfly plays an important role in the pollination of plants and is an iconic symbol of the wonders of nature.
Viceroy (Limenitis archippus)
The Viceroy butterfly is a fascinating species, known for its remarkable resemblance to the Monarch butterfly.
This clever mimicry helps the Viceroy avoid predators, as they mistake it for the bad-tasting Monarch.
Let’s explore some key aspects of the Viceroy butterfly:
- Habitat: Found in wetlands, meadows, and forest edges throughout Saskatchewan and other parts of North America.
- Appearance: Orange with black veins, very similar to the Monarch butterfly, but with a black stripe on the hindwing.
- Size: Medium-sized species, with a wingspan of about 2.5 to 3 inches.
- Diet: Adult Viceroys feed on nectar from various flowers, while the caterpillars prefer the leaves of willow and poplar trees.
- Reproduction: Females lay single eggs on the leaves of host plants, where the caterpillars will later emerge and feed on the leaves.
- Lifespan: The adult Viceroy butterfly lives for about two weeks, while the entire life cycle, from egg to adult, takes around one month.
- Host Plants: Willow and poplar trees serve as the primary host plants for Viceroy caterpillars, providing both food and shelter through their developmental stages.
Red-spotted Purple (Limenitis arthemis)
The Red-spotted Purple, scientifically known as Limenitis arthemis, is a beautiful butterfly species found in Saskatchewan.
This variety is known for its striking coloration and interesting life habits.
Let’s explore more about these fascinating creatures:
- Habitat: Red-spotted Purples thrive in a variety of environments, ranging from forests and woodlands to suburban gardens and parks.
- Appearance: These butterflies exhibit an iridescent blue or purple sheen on their wings with a band of reddish-orange spots along the outer edge.
- Size: They typically sport a wingspan of 2.5 to 4 inches.
- Diet: The adults primarily feed on tree sap, rotting fruit, and occasionally nectar from flowers.
- Reproduction: Females lay eggs singly on host plants; the caterpillars later hatch and proceed to feed on them.
- Lifespan: The Red-spotted Purple has a life span of about 2-3 weeks as an adult.
- Host Plants: The larvae favor several host plants, including Wild Cherry, Chokecherry, Oaks, and Willows.
With their captivating appearance and interesting life cycle, Red-spotted Purples serve as a reminder of the wonders of nature present in Saskatchewan.
White Admiral (Limenitis arthemis arthemis)
White Admiral is a fascinating butterfly species found in Saskatchewan that you might enjoy observing.
With their striking black and white wing pattern, they can easily catch your attention as they fly through the wooded areas in search of nectar.
Let’s delve into some interesting facts about this mesmerizing creature:
- Habitat: White Admirals thrive mostly in deciduous and mixed forests throughout North America.
- Appearance: Their upper wings are black with bands of white spots, while the underside boasts a more intricate design with additional red and blue spots.
- Size: These butterflies have a wingspan typically ranging between 2.5 and 4 inches (6.3 to 10.1 cm).
- Diet: Adult White Admirals feed mainly on nectar from flowers like milkweed, phlox, and dogbane, but they also appreciate rotting fruits and tree sap.
- Reproduction: Females lay their eggs singly on the leaves of host plants, where the caterpillars will later feed.
- Lifespan: Adults live for around two to three weeks, although their entire life cycle from egg to adult can last around six weeks.
- Host Plants: The larvae feed on a variety of trees and shrubs, predominantly using species like willows, aspen, poplar, and birch.
Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa)
The Mourning Cloak is a beautiful butterfly species that you may encounter in Saskatchewan.
Here is some fascinating information about this incredible creature:
- Habitat: Mourning Cloaks can be found in various habitats, including woodland edges, gardens, parks, and open areas.
- Appearance: The species is known for its unique dark brown wings with light blue spots along the edges and a brilliant yellow border.
- Size: The wingspan of this butterfly can range from 6 to 10 centimeters, making it an average-sized species.
- Diet: Adults primarily feed on tree sap, rotting fruit, and sometimes nectar from flowers. Caterpillars feed on leaves of various trees, such as elm, poplar, and willow.
- Reproduction: Female butterflies lay their eggs in clusters on tree branches or leaves. The eggs hatch into caterpillars, which eventually form a chrysalis before emerging as adults.
- Lifespan: Mourning Cloaks have a relatively long lifespan for butterflies, as adults can live for up to a year.
- Host Plants: This species relies on various host plants for egg-laying and caterpillar feeding, including elm, willow, and poplar trees.
Next time you’re exploring the outdoors in Saskatchewan, keep an eye out for this majestic butterfly as it flutters by.
Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)
The Painted Lady is a fascinating butterfly species with an extensive geographical range and some interesting features.
Let’s explore some of the important characteristics of this beautiful insect:
- Habitat: These butterflies can be found in various environments, including meadows, gardens, parks, and other open areas.
- Appearance: Painted Ladies have orange-brown wings with intricate black and white patterns on the upper side and subtle eyespots on the lower side.
- Size: Their wingspan varies from 5 to 9 cm, making them a medium-sized butterfly.
- Diet: Feeding primarily on nectar from a wide range of flowers, such as thistles, asters, and goldenrods. As caterpillars, they consume leaves of host plants.
- Reproduction: Painted Lady butterflies lay their eggs on host plants, having a preference for thistles. The eggs hatch in about a week, releasing the hungry caterpillars.
- Lifespan: Adult Painted Ladies generally live for two to four weeks, while the entire life cycle – from egg to adult – takes about a month.
- Host Plants: Some common host plants include thistles, hollyhocks, and sunflowers, which caterpillars feed on before transforming into beautiful butterflies.
Now that you know about the Painted Lady, keep an eye out for these stunning butterflies during your next outdoor adventure.
Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)
The Red Admiral is a striking butterfly that can be easily spotted with its distinct appearance.
Here’s what you need to know about this beautiful butterfly species in Saskatchewan:
- Habitat: You can find the Red Admiral generally in moist woods, gardens, and open fields. It’s a highly adaptable species, so they can be seen in urban settings as well.
- Appearance: This butterfly is recognizable for its dark brown, almost black, wings with striking red-orange bands and white spots. Its underwings have a mottled grayish-brown pattern.
- Size: The Red Admiral displays a medium size, with a wingspan of 5 to 6 centimeters (2 to 2.4 inches).
- Diet: It mainly feeds on nectar from various flowering plants, but they also enjoy tree sap, fruit juices, and even animal feces.
- Reproduction: Males patrol and defend territories to attract females for mating, and then females lay eggs individually on host plants.
- Lifespan: The adult Red Admiral has a relatively short lifespan of about two weeks to one month.
- Host Plants: These butterflies rely on plants from the nettle family, such as the stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) for their larvae to feed on and thrive.
American Lady (Vanessa virginiensis)
The American Lady butterfly is a beautiful and widespread species found throughout Saskatchewan and the rest of North America.
This butterfly is known for its vibrant colors and unique pattern, making it a pleasure to spot in the wild.
Let’s take a closer look at some of its characteristics:
- Habitat: American Lady butterflies thrive in a variety of environments, including meadows, gardens, and roadsides.
- Appearance: They are easily identified by their orange and black patterned wings with white spots near the wingtips. The underside of the hindwing has a unique pattern with two large eyespots.
- Size: Their wingspan measures approximately 2 to 2.75 inches (5-7 cm).
- Diet: Adult American Ladies primarily feed on nectar from flowers, while caterpillars feed on plants within the aster family.
- Reproduction: Females lay single eggs on the host plant, and the caterpillars create nests by folding leaves together.
- Lifespan: Adult butterflies typically live for two to three weeks during their flying season, which runs from spring to fall.
- Host Plants: Among the host plants for American Lady butterflies are pearly everlasting (Anaphalis margaritacea), pussytoes (Antennaria spp.), and ironweed (Vernonia spp.). These plants provide food for the caterpillars and a spot for the females to lay their eggs.
Next time you’re out in the natural spots of Saskatchewan, keep an eye out for the striking American Lady butterfly.
Common Buckeye (Junonia coenia)
The Common Buckeye is a fascinating butterfly species that can be found in Saskatchewan.
This unique insect has some interesting features and behaviors that make it stand out among other butterflies.
Here’s a closer look at some key aspects of the Common Buckeye:
- Habitat: This species is found in open, sunny areas such as fields, meadows, and even roadsides.
- Appearance: The Common Buckeye has brown wings with multiple eyespots, which help deter potential predators. The wings also have orange and white markings, making for an intricate pattern.
- Size: This butterfly is medium-sized, with a wingspan ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 inches.
- Diet: The adult Common Buckeye primarily feeds on nectar from flowering plants, while the caterpillar stage feeds on the leaves of their host plants.
- Reproduction: Females lay their eggs singly on the host plants. The caterpillars then feed and grow, eventually transforming into a chrysalis from which the adult butterfly emerges.
- Lifespan: The adults have a relatively short life, typically around 2 weeks.
- Host Plants: Some common host plants for the Common Buckeye caterpillar include snapdragon, false foxglove, and plantain.
The Common Buckeye is a remarkable butterfly species with interesting characteristics.
Next time you’re in Saskatchewan, keep an eye out for this wonderful creature!
Eastern Comma (Polygonia comma)
The Eastern Comma is a fascinating butterfly species found in Saskatchewan.
Get ready to discover key aspects of their lives, such as their habitat, appearance, and more.
- Habitat: Eastern Commas are primarily found in woods, riverbanks, and clearings. Their favorite places to reside are where shade, sunshine, and water coexist harmoniously.
- Appearance: Boasting distinctive orange wings, Eastern Commas have an unmistakable silhouette. They also have prominent black markings and a unique comma-shaped silver mark on the underwings.
- Size: Reaching a wingspan range of 4.3-6.5 centimeters, Eastern Commas are relatively medium-sized butterflies.
- Diet: Adult Eastern Commas primarily feed on rotting fruit, nectar from flowers, tree sap, and carrion. Meanwhile, the caterpillars munch on leaves like little leaf-lovers.
- Reproduction: Eastern Comma butterflies lay their eggs on host plants during spring. Caterpillars emerge and grow until it’s time to pupate into fascinating chrysalises.
- Lifespan: Adult Eastern Commas have a relatively short lifespan of a few weeks, living just long enough to breed and lay eggs for the next generation.
- Host Plants: Eastern Commas mainly use elm and nettle plants as their host plants for the caterpillars to feed, thrive, and grow. Planting these in your garden can attract these beautiful butterflies.
Question Mark (Polygonia interrogationis)
The Question Mark butterfly is a unique and fascinating creature found in Saskatchewan.
Here’s what you need to know about this butterfly species:
- Habitat: Question Marks are often found in wooded areas, near streams, and in open fields. They prefer sunny spots with ample shade and damp soil.
- Appearance: These butterflies have conspicuous orange and brown wings with darker spots, resembling the punctuation mark that gives them their name. The underside is mottled gray and brown, allowing them to blend in with tree bark.
- Size: Question Mark butterflies have a wingspan of 4.5 to 7.5 cm.
- Diet: Adult butterflies primarily feed on rotting fruit, tree sap, and animal dung, while caterpillars feed on the leaves of their host plants.
- Reproduction: Like many butterflies, Question Marks mate and lay eggs on host plants. Eggs hatch into caterpillars, which eventually form a chrysalis, before transforming into adults.
- Lifespan: These butterflies have two generations per year, with the second generation overwintering as adults. Their total lifespan is about 6 to 7 months.
- Host Plants: Caterpillars of the Question Mark butterfly feed on a variety of plants, including nettles, elms, and hackberries.
Gray Comma (Polygonia progne)
The Gray Comma is a fascinating butterfly species found in Saskatchewan.
Here’s a closer look at some of the defining characteristics of this intriguing insect:
- Habitat: Gray Comma butterflies prefer deciduous and mixed wood forests. They can also be spotted in woodlands, scrublands, and rocky or hilly areas.
- Appearance: The upper side of their wings displays an orange-brown color with dark brown markings, while the underside has a grayish-scaly pattern, perfect for blending in with the tree bark.
- Size: These butterflies have a wingspan of about 4-6 centimeters, making them a medium-sized butterfly species.
- Diet: As adults, Gray Comma butterflies mostly feed on tree sap, decaying fruit, or other plant substances. The caterpillars feed on the leaves of their host plants.
- Reproduction: Females lay single eggs on the host plants, where the caterpillar will later hatch and feed.
- Lifespan: The adult Gray Comma has a brief lifespan of about two weeks.
- Host Plants: The caterpillars mainly feed on the leaves of Ribes species, such as currant and gooseberry plants, and occasionally on elm and willow trees.
Next time you’re exploring the forests of Saskatchewan, keep an eye out for this unique and beautiful butterfly species.
Satyr Comma (Polygonia satyrus)
The Satyr Comma is yet another fascinating butterfly species that resides in Saskatchewan.
This enchanting creature has some captivating features that make it a unique addition to the region.
Here’s what makes the Satyr Comma stand out:
- Habitat: Satyr Comma butterflies primarily inhabit deciduous and mixed wood forests, wet meadows, and woodland edges. They can also be found in damp areas, such as stream banks and marshes.
- Appearance: The Satyr Comma is characterized by its irregular wing shape and marbled brown, orange and black coloration. The undersides of their wings mimic a dead leaf, which aids in camouflage. To distinguish it from other comma species, look for the distinct “comma” mark- a silver curve on the underside of its hindwing.
- Size: These butterflies have a wingspan of around 1.75 to 2.25 inches, making them a medium-sized butterfly species.
- Diet: Adult butterflies mainly feed on sap, rotting fruit, carrion, and dung. Nectar from flowers is not their primary diet.
- Reproduction: Females lay their eggs on the host plants, where the larvae feed and grow before forming a chrysalis to metamorphose into adult butterflies.
- Lifespan: The Satyr Comma typically has a lifespan of several months to a year.
- Host Plants: Their caterpillars rely on plants like stinging nettle, hops, and elm tree leaves for sustenance. These host plants play a crucial role in the survival and reproduction of the Satyr Comma species.
Green Comma (Polygonia faunus)
Green Comma is one of the fascinating butterfly species found in Saskatchewan.
This beautiful butterfly has a unique appearance and life cycle that adds to the allure and diversity of the butterfly population in the region.
Let’s explore some of the key features of the Green Comma:
- Habitat: Green Comma butterflies typically inhabit forest edges, alpine meadows, and openings in mixed woodlands. They can be mostly found in the mountains and northern parts of Saskatchewan.
- Appearance: Their wings exhibit a scalloped shape, with a distinctive greenish-yellow to orange-brown background color. Black spots and markings are scattered across the wings. The underside of the wings features a silvery comma-like marking, giving them their name.
- Size: These butterflies have a wingspan ranging from 4 to 4.5 centimeters.
- Diet: Adults mainly feed on tree sap, rotting fruit, and nectar from various flowers.
- Reproduction: Females lay single eggs on the host plants. The caterpillars then hatch and feed on the leaves of these plants.
- Lifespan: The adult Green Comma butterflies have a relatively short lifespan of about two weeks.
- Host Plants: Some common host plants for the Green Comma are gooseberries and currants.
The Green Comma is a stunning yet elusive butterfly species that graces the woodlands and meadows of Saskatchewan.
Its remarkable appearance and behavior make it a noteworthy subject for nature lovers and butterfly enthusiasts.
Milbert’s Tortoiseshell (Aglais milberti)
Have you ever come across a striking and colourful butterfly species in Saskatchewan?
If so, you might have encountered the Milbert’s Tortoiseshell (Aglais milberti). This fascinating butterfly is not only beautiful but also plays an essential role in maintaining its ecosystem.
Let’s have a closer look at some key features of the Milbert’s Tortoiseshell:
- Habitat: Native to North America, it thrives in various habitats such as forests, meadows, and wetlands.
- Appearance: This species has a unique blend of black, red, and orange colours, with the wings displaying intricate patterns.
- Size: The wingspan ranges from 4.5 to 6.4 cm, making it a medium-sized butterfly.
- Diet: Adult butterflies primarily feed on flower nectar. When flowers are scarce, they may also consume sap and decaying fruit.
- Reproduction: Females lay eggs in clusters on the host plants; these eggs hatch into caterpillars and then metamorphose into adult butterflies.
- Lifespan: Although the exact lifespan may vary, adults generally live for 2-4 weeks.
- Host Plants: The primary host plant for this species is the stinging nettle (Urtica dioica). Caterpillars feed on the leaves, which provide them with nutrients essential for growth and development.
Whether you are a casual observer or an avid butterfly enthusiast, the Milbert’s Tortoiseshell is a fascinating species that adds beauty and diversity to Saskatchewan’s flora and fauna.
American Copper (Lycaena phlaeas)
The American Copper is a fascinating butterfly species.
Let’s learn more about its characteristics and unique features:
- Habitat: You may often find American Copper butterflies in meadows, fields, and other open spaces, as well as alongside roads.
- Appearance: These butterflies showcase bright orange wings with bold, dark borders and markings. Their underside is gray-brown with a hint of orange and delicate white markings.
- Size: The American Copper has a wingspan that ranges between 2.5 to 3.5 centimeters, making it a small-sized butterfly.
- Diet: Adult American Copper butterflies enjoy nectaring on flowers such as clover and oxalis, whereas caterpillars feed on sorrel and dock plants.
- Reproduction: Female American Copper butterflies lay their eggs singly on host plants, typically on the undersides of leaves.
- Lifespan: The life expectancy of these butterflies is relatively short, usually lasting a few weeks during their flying season, which is from May to September.
- Host Plants: The caterpillars’ most common host plants are sheep sorrel (Rumex acetosella) and curly dock (Rumex crispus).
So the next time you see an American Copper butterfly, remember to appreciate its beauty and intricate life cycle!
Bronze Copper (Lycaena hyllus)
The Bronze Copper is a fascinating butterfly species that can be found in Saskatchewan.
Let me share with you some exciting details about this little creature:
- Habitat: Bronze Copper butterflies love wetland environments, such as marshes and wet meadows, as well as the edges of streams and ponds.
- Appearance: Sporting wings colored in a beautiful mix of bronze and copper hues, this butterfly also features stunning iridescent blue spots on the lower wings and orange markings on the upper wings.
- Size: Adults have a wingspan ranging from 25 to 35 millimeters, making them a relatively compact butterfly species.
- Diet: Adult Bronze Copper butterflies feed on nectar from flowering plants, while caterpillars munch on the leaves of their host plants.
- Reproduction: Mating occurs in the spring and summer, after which females lay their eggs on the leaves of host plants.
- Lifespan: Adults typically live a few weeks, with the entire life cycle (from egg to adult) taking around one month.
- Host Plants: The caterpillars have a fondness for plants in the Polygonaceae family, such as dock and sorrel.
These intricate details make the Bronze Copper a fascinating species to observe and learn about.
Bog Copper (Lycaena epixanthe)
The Bog Copper is one of the fascinating butterfly species found in Saskatchewan.
They are primarily associated with bog habitats and often go unnoticed due to their small size and secretive behavior.
Here’s what you need to know about this intriguing species:
- Habitat: Bog Coppers are found in wetland areas, such as bogs, fens, and marshes, where their host plants grow.
- Appearance: Their wings display a beautiful copper color, while the underside features grayish-white scaling with black markings and small orange spots.
- Size: These small butterflies boast a wingspan of around 22-32 millimeters.
- Diet: Adult Bog Coppers feed on the nectar of various flowering plants, especially milkweeds and asters. Their caterpillars munch on cranberry leaves.
- Reproduction: Females lay their eggs on the new leaves of cranberry plants. The caterpillars develop and feed on these leaves, eventually pupating in nearby leaf litter.
- Lifespan: Adult Bog Coppers have a brief lifespan of just two to three weeks.
- Host Plants: The primary host plant for Bog Copper caterpillars is the small cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos), which thrives in the wet, acidic soils of their bog habitats.
The Bog Copper is a species perfectly adapted to life in its unique environment, showcasing the incredible diversity of butterflies in Saskatchewan.
Silvery Blue (Glaucopsyche lygdamus)
Silvery Blue butterflies are a striking species you can find in Saskatchewan.
These little creatures have a lot to offer in terms of beauty and ecological roles.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes the Silvery Blue so special:
- Habitat: Silvery Blues are usually found in a variety of open and sunny areas, including meadows, fields, and forest clearings.
- Appearance: These butterflies feature an iridescent silver-blue color on the upper side of their wings, with brownish-black margins and white fringes.
- Size: The Silvery Blue has a wingspan of about 20-30 mm.
- Diet: Adult Silvery Blues primarily feed on flower nectar, while caterpillars feed on the leaves of their host plants.
- Reproduction: Mating typically occurs during spring and summer months. Females lay single eggs on the host plants.
- Lifespan: Adult Silvery Blues have a short lifespan of 1-2 weeks, while caterpillars develop and pupate over several weeks or months.
- Host Plants: The primary host plants for Silvery Blue caterpillars are various species of legumes, particularly in the pea and vetch families.
Next time you come across a Silvery Blue butterfly, take a moment to appreciate its unique characteristics and the important role it plays in the ecosystem.
Melissa Blue (Plebejus melissa)
Melissa Blue is a fascinating butterfly species found in Saskatchewan.
It is widely recognized for its beautiful blue color and delicate appearance.
Here, we’ll explore some intriguing aspects of this remarkable butterfly.
- Habitat: Melissa Blue thrives in grasslands, prairies, meadows, and other open areas with an abundance of wildflowers.
- Appearance: The upper side of its wings displays a vibrant blue color, with a black margin and white fringe. The underside features a mix of orange and gray patterns, with dark spots circled in white.
- Size: Adults have a wingspan of about 25-31 mm, making them a relatively small butterfly species.
- Diet: Adult Melissa Blues feed on nectar from various wildflowers, while caterpillars mainly feed on legumes.
- Reproduction: Female butterflies lay their eggs on host plant leaves. The caterpillars develop from the eggs and rely on their host plants for nourishment.
- Lifespan: Melissa Blue butterflies have a short lifespan, typically living for a few weeks as adults.
- Host Plants: Wild legumes, such as wild lupine and vetch, serve as host plants for Melissa Blue caterpillars.
With these fascinating facts, it’s easy to see why the Melissa Blue butterfly is such an important and admired species in Saskatchewan.
Northern Blue (Plebejus idas)
The Northern Blue (Plebejus idas) is a remarkable butterfly species that has adapted to survive the harsh environment of Saskatchewan.
Here are some notable features that make this creature unique:
- Habitat: These butterflies are typically found in meadows, prairies, and tundra habitats in central and northern Canada, including Saskatchewan.
- Appearance: The Northern Blue has various shades of blue on its upperside, with some vibrant, bright spots on the wings’ underside that form an impressive display.
- Size: On average, this butterfly measures between 25-35 mm, making it a relatively small yet charming insect.
- Diet: As an adult butterfly, Northern Blue thrives on the nectar of flowers like lupines, vetches, and milkvetches.
- Reproduction: These butterflies lay eggs on the leaves or stems of their host plants, ensuring a future generation of beauties in their habitat.
- Lifespan: Northern Blue butterflies live approximately two weeks, making the most out of their short lives by pollinating plants and providing an important role in ecosystems.
- Host Plants: Lupines, vetches, milkvetches, and some other plants from the pea family serve as host plants for their larvae, providing essential nourishment.
The Northern Blue (Plebejus idas) is a striking butterfly species that adds beauty and vibrancy to the Saskatchewan countryside during its brief, yet impactful, life.
Arctic Blue (Plebejus glandon)
Arctic Blue is a fascinating butterfly species that catches the eye due to its vibrant blue color.
This butterfly, scientifically known as Plebejus glandon, can be found in various regions across Saskatchewan.
Here are some key facts about this captivating species:
- Habitat: Arctic Blue butterflies primarily inhabit alpine meadows, tundras, and rocky slopes where their host plants can be found.
- Appearance: Male Arctic Blues have a striking iridescent blue on the upper side of their wings, while females showcase a more muted brown hue with blue near the wing base.
- Size: This species generally has a wingspan ranging from 25 to 35 mm, making them a relatively small butterfly.
- Diet: Adult Arctic Blues feed on nectar from various flowering plants, while their larvae munch on the leaves of their host plants.
- Reproduction: Females typically lay their eggs on or near the host plants, and after hatching, the larvae develop through several stages before forming a chrysalis.
- Lifespan: Adult Arctic Blues usually live for about 1 to 2 weeks, depending on environmental factors and predators.
- Host Plants: Alpine plants, like the dwarf bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), serve as the primary host plants for the Arctic Blue’s larvae.
Eastern Tailed-Blue (Cupido comyntas)
The Eastern Tailed-Blue is a beautiful butterfly species native to Saskatchewan and a delightful sight to behold.
Before we delve deeper into this remarkable species, let’s quickly go through some interesting facts:
- Habitat: Eastern Tailed-Blues are found in a variety of habitats, including meadows, fields, and forest edges. They love sunny areas with abundant flowers.
- Appearance: They are primarily blue, with a distinctive orange spot and a small tail-like extension on their hind wings.
- Size: These butterflies are relatively small, with a wingspan ranging between 21 to 33 mm.
- Diet: The Eastern Tailed-Blue primarily feeds on nectar from flowers, which provides them with the energy they need to fly and reproduce.
- Reproduction: They produce a couple of broods per year, with females laying single eggs on host plants.
- Lifespan: Eastern Tailed-Blues have a relatively short lifespan, with adults living for only a few weeks.
- Host Plants: Their larvae primarily feed on legumes, such as clovers and vetches, while some are known to use wild peas and other legume species.
To sum up, the Eastern Tailed-Blue represents a beautiful and fascinating butterfly species native to Saskatchewan, thriving in sunny habitats and feeding on nectar and legumes throughout their short but vibrant lives.
Northern Crescent (Phyciodes cocyta)
The Northern Crescent is one of the vibrant butterfly species you might encounter in Saskatchewan. This beautiful creature not only adds color and charm to the region but also plays a vital role in pollination.
Let’s dive into some features of this interesting species:
- Habitat: Northern Crescents are predominantly found in fields, meadows, forest edges, and other open areas. They prefer abundant nectar sources and host plants in their vicinity.
- Appearance: These butterflies have wings displaying a striking orange color with bold black markings, while the underside of their wings is pale with subtle patterns.
- Size: An adult Northern Crescent typically has a wingspan ranging between 3.0 to 4.0 cm, making it a medium-sized butterfly.
- Diet: The adults primarily feed on nectar from various flowering plants, such as asters and goldenrods, contributing to pollination in the process.
- Reproduction: The female Northern Crescent lays eggs on the leaves of host plants, from which the caterpillars hatch and start feeding.
- Lifespan: The entire life cycle of a Northern Crescent spans approximately one month, including the egg, caterpillar, chrysalis, and adult stages.
- Host Plants: Host plants for the caterpillars of this species include asters and other related plants, which provide them with the nutrients necessary for growth and development.
Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos)
The Pearl Crescent is a small and striking butterfly, easily distinguishable by its beautiful orange and black patterned wings.
Keep in mind the following key aspects of this species:
- Habitat: You can find Pearl Crescents in a variety of habitats, including meadows, open fields, lawns, gardens, and roadsides across Saskatchewan and North America.
- Appearance: This butterfly has bright orange forewings with black marks, while its hindwings have a crescent-shaped orange band with black borders.
- Size: Pearl Crescents are relatively small, with a wingspan typically ranging from 22 to 35 mm.
- Diet: As adults, they love to feed on nectar from various flowers such as asters, goldenrods, and black-eyed Susans.
- Reproduction: Female Pearl Crescents lay batches of white eggs on the underside of their host plants’ leaves.
- Lifespan: The average lifespan of these butterflies is around two to three weeks, giving them enough time to reproduce and ensure the survival of the next generation.
- Host Plants: Their preferred host plants include various species of asters, providing food for the delicate larval stage before they transform into striking orange and black adults.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Saskatchewan is home to a diverse and fascinating array of butterfly species that add beauty and color to its natural landscape.
With 30 species included in this article, there is a whole world of butterfly watching to discover and enjoy.
Share your thoughts in the comments below – which butterfly species is your favourite, or have you observed any of these beautiful creatures in the wild?