Canadian wildlife · Drawing 24 of 40
Monarch
From grasslands to mountains
The monarch visits flowers to drink nectar. Its orange-and-black wings have white spots along their edges. Before becoming a butterfly, it was a caterpillar.
Did you know?
In Canada, its caterpillars feed on milkweed leaves.
Look together
Can you compare the patterns on its two sides?
An idea to try
Draw a butterfly, then repeat the same large patterns on both sides.
For the adult reading along
A little more to discover
Scientific name: Danaus plexippus. Where it lives: Flowering habitats across many parts of southern Canada. What it eats: Nectar as a butterfly; milkweed as a caterpillar. Milkweed is essential for the caterpillars to grow. Adult butterflies also drink nectar from other flowers, so their needs change during their lives.
Look together: Can you compare the patterns on its two sides? Draw a butterfly, then repeat the same large patterns on both sides.
Sources and illustration notes (2)
Simplified drawing for colouring. Coat, feather or skin markings are left white so children can choose their colours. Proportions and details are not a scientific identification plate.
These links lead to other websites. Explore them with an adult. Source titles appear in their original language; some linked pages are in French.
- Environment and Climate Change Canada — Monarch butterflyMilkweed dependence, life stages and Canadian range.
- Parks Canada — Monarch butterfly, KejimkujikAppearance, caterpillars and metamorphosis.
Source review: 2026-09-30. Illustrations are simplified for colouring.
