Orange-and-black butterfly with white-spotted dark wing borders.
How to recognize it
Orange-and-black butterfly with white-spotted dark wing borders.
Where you may find it in Ontario
Sunny gardens and open habitats. Local occurrence depends on habitat, region and season.
Food and ecological role
Adults use nectar; caterpillars depend on milkweeds. Every species is part of a larger food web involving plants, insects, birds and mammals.
When to look
Summer to early autumn.
Make your backyard more welcoming
Plant regionally appropriate native milkweed and nectar flowers.
Identification and safety
Use several features, not a single colour or silhouette, to confirm identification. Observe wildlife from a respectful distance; do not handle or feed wild animals. For species-specific photographs and further details, see the reference below.
Further reading: Species identification / reference. Also see Ontario backyard resources.