Science, Tech & Environment

Swallowtail Butterflies in Canada a Sign of Warming


Swallowtail butterfly. (Photo: Christer Johansson/ Wiki Media)

This Geo Quiz is fluttering in the wind. The Giant Swallowtail butterfly likes to touch down on prickly ash plants. Normally, this tropical butterfly is found in southern latitudes, down around Central and South America.

Player utilities

Listen to the Story.

But we're looking for North American city where Giant Swallowtails have been turning up, and where the first native representative of the species recently flew out of its cocoon.

This city is located at the confluence of the Saint Lawrence and Ottawa Rivers.

Scientists there say the Giant Swallowtail butterfly's habitat is gradually shifting north, given the recent mild winter weather in the province of Quebec.

Have you guessed yet where a Giant Swallowtail butterfly has turned up? Montreal, Quebec is the answer.

Maxim L'Arivee is an entomologist and a expert on butterflies at Montreal's Insectarium.