a female monarch butterfly – no small round spot on the hindwing; photo by Ms. Jia-Jones
It’s that time of year when millions of monarch butterflies embark on their incredible journey, flying thousands of kilometres to Mexico—the longest migration of any insect. In Canada, August 19th is designated as National Flight of the Monarch Day, a time to celebrate one of North America’s most cherished species, raise awareness about its endangered status, and marvel at its remarkable transformation.
Over the past decade, the North American monarch butterfly population has drastically declined. In 2016, the Canadian Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife listed monarch butterflies as endangered. By July 2022, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature added them to its “red list” of threatened species, placing them just two steps from extinction.
The primary cause of this decline is habitat loss, largely due to human activities. Monarchs rely on trees and plants, especially milkweed, for food and breeding, but their habitats are rapidly shrinking.
My love for butterflies began in my childhood in Northern China, watching my grandmother make red paper-cut butterflies during the chilly winter months. These delicate creations accompanied me on my journey to Canada, symbolizing my own cross-cultural transformation.
When I encountered North American monarch butterflies, I was captivated by their beauty, grace, and the sheer determination they exhibit in their cross-continental migration—a journey that spans several generations.
A few years ago, I participated in the Butterfly Tagging Challenge organized by David West, who was then the Ward Four Councillor of Richmond Hill and is now the Mayor. The Tagging Program, initiated by Monarch Watch, aims to gather crucial data to help scientists better understand the “dynamics of the monarch’s spectacular fall migration through mark and recapture” (https://monarchwatch.org/tagging/). Together with my son, who aspired to study Health Sciences, we raised butterflies from tiny eggs, witnessing their awe-inspiring transformation from a tiny egg to a hungry larva, then to a still chrysalis, and finally into a beautiful butterfly.
The waiting period during the chrysalis stage seemed endless—much like those moments in life when progress feels stagnant, as if nothing is happening. But then, one morning, you hear the flutter of wings, and there it is: a stunning butterfly! The metamorphosis is nothing short of miraculous. Releasing them into the world is an emotional, unforgettable experience, but it’s a necessary part of their journey—and yours. As you watch them take their victory lap, you silently wish them a safe journey, with many generations to come.
For those interested in learning more about monarch butterflies, numerous local activities take place each year. The Toronto Region and Conservation Authority, for instance, hosts annual events. On August 24th, Ontario Nature will hold a National Flight of the Monarch Day event at the Bruce Peninsula National Park Visitor Centre and Alvar Bay Nature Preserve in Tobermory.
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