A butterfly disappeared from Ontario in 1988 and has not been recorded there since

NewsScience NewsA butterfly disappeared from Ontario in 1988 and has not been recorded there since; nearly four decades later, scientists plan to bring eggs from New York and breed the species for release into restored Canadian habitat A butterfly disappeared from Ontario in 1988 and has not been recorded there since; nearly four decades later, scientists plan to bring eggs from New York and breed the species for release into restored Canadian habitat TOI Science Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Nov 04, 2026, 10:05 IST What if one day you discover the world has no butterflies?

Their velvety wings, dashing through the garden, a moving pop of colour in a world of darkness.Butterflies are not just there for aesthetic purposes. Their most important job is pollinating; a reduction in butterfly populations can mean a reduction in plant diversity, since wild plants and flowers will struggle to reproduce.

They are also sensitive to environmental shifts. As bioindicators, they can help assess the health of the environment.In Canada, a species of butterfly disappeared from Ontario in 1988 and has not been recorded there since.

But now, nearly four decades later, it could flutter back. Scientists are preparing to bring it back, with plans to breed the butterflies in captivity and release them into restored habitats in the province.Which butterfly species has disappeared from Ontario?

Meet the frosted elfin (Callophrys irus), a small, rather understated butterfly with delicate wings and a greyish-brown hue. Unlike its more flamboyant cousins, this species is not particularly colourful. Its wingspan measures just 22 to 24 mm, making it easy to miss if you are not looking closely.The butterfly was historically found in southern Ontario, particularly around St.

Williams, near the northern shores of Lake Erie. The TOI Science Desk stands as an inquisitive team of journalists, ceaselessly delving into the realms of discovery to curate a captivating collection of news, features, and articles from the vast and ever-evolving world of science for the readers of The Times of India.

Consider us your scientific companion, delivering a daily dose of wonder and enlightenment. Whether it's the intricacies of genetic engineering, the marvels of space exploration, or the latest in artificial intelligence, the TOI Science Desk ensures you stay connected to the pulse of the scientific world.

At the TOI Science Desk, we are not just reporters; we are storytellers of scientific narratives. We are committed to demystifying the intricacies of science, making it accessible and engaging for readers of all backgrounds.

Join us as we craft knowledge with precision and passion, bringing you on a journey where the mysteries of the universe unfold with every word. From wildcard entry to 'Frenemy' equation with Rahul Easwar: A look at Vedangi's journey in Bigg Boss Malayalam 8 Devon Ke Dev...Mahadev Sonarika Bhadoria reveals passing out during her daughter's birth, bikini controversy and being replaced from a hit show for asking for a pay hike Bhai Dooj 2026: 5 thoughtful gift ideas for your brother that go beyond the usual chocolates, wallets and perfumes “Don't ignore breathlessness while walking”: Doctor explains how a 6-minute test can uncover warning signs of poor lung function and reveal what your walking speed says about your health Things in your house that may be attracting lizards without you realising it Why eating less is not always the right way to lose weight: Cutting calories too sharply can cost you muscle, slow energy use and make long-term weight management harder Pune Metro expands its network with the 23-km Pink Line connecting Hinjewadi IT hub to District Court, featuring women operators, nearly 30% solar-powered electricity and an investment of over Rs 8,300 crore; here’s a look at its key features, connectivity benefits and upcoming Phase-II corridors.

Washington man loses father's ranch over financial abuse; court upholds $166,698 divorce judgmentHe tracked down over 60 poachers and followed a blood trail for 1.5 km: Meet Zorba, the dog who protected Assam’s rhinosIn 1944, a US Navy serviceman stationed in the Pacific mailed his wife a coconutKaty Perry faces opposition from more than 360 neighbours over proposed 110-acre California youth campUS couple finds live Civil War-era artillery shell in basement of newly bought homeA butterfly disappeared from Ontario in 1988 and has not been recorded there sinceA vampire burial: A Polish woman was buried with a sickle to stop her rising from the graveDonna Kelce On Motherhood: NFL mom recalls ‘most daunting’ job; Travis praises her joyUS Midterm Election Results 2026 Live Updates: Ballot-counting problems reported in key New York swing district as US midterm voting beginsIND vs NZ, 1st ODI: Rohit Sharma departs for a duckWashington man loses father's ranch over financial abuse; court upholds $166,698 divorce judgmentHe tracked down over 60 poachers and followed a blood trail for 1.5 km: Meet Zorba, the dog who protected Assam’s rhinosIn 1944, a US Navy serviceman stationed in the Pacific mailed his wife a coconutKaty Perry faces opposition from more than 360 neighbours over proposed 110-acre California youth campUS couple finds live Civil War-era artillery shell in basement of newly bought homeA butterfly disappeared from Ontario in 1988 and has not been recorded there sinceA vampire burial: A Polish woman was buried with a sickle to stop her rising from the graveDonna Kelce On Motherhood: NFL mom recalls ‘most daunting’ job; Travis praises her joyUS Midterm Election Results 2026 Live Updates: Ballot-counting problems reported in key New York swing district as US midterm voting beginsIND vs NZ, 1st ODI: Rohit Sharma departs for a duck Donna KelceUS Midterm Election ResultUS Senate Election ResultAndre AgassisPatrick and Brittany Mahomes MilestoneBrittany MahomesIndia vs New Zealand LiveGillette IndiaVirat KohliJames TalaricoUS...