Landscape factors influencing roost site selection by monarch butterflies Danaus plexippus during fall migration in Ontario, Canada

Worldwide, insect populations are declining, and the eastern migratory group of monarch butterfly Danaus plexippus in North America has not escaped this fate. The conservation iconic species is an international priority but requires knowledge how monarchs interact with landscape during different stages annual cycle. To better understand habitat needs departing their core breeding range southern Ontario, Canada, we examined various features influenced roost site selection fall migration—an instrumental resource link between wintering grounds. Using dedicated migration surveys along Great Lakes coastlines a citizen science dataset collected across all evaluated relationship occupancy 18 variables using boosted regression tree (BRT) modelling approach. Results suggest that closer distance to Lakes, increased goldenrod Solidago spp. cover, moderate forest rural road urban land cover important roosting selection. Our research provides insights into characteristics stopover sites, which will help guide future investigations actions preserve butterflies phenomenon.