CBC Manitoba: Exotic butterflies back at The Leaf after federal agency restores permit

However, an exotic butterfly could be problematic, since it would enter a much more botanically diverse environment. The Leaf is home to a wide range of plant species, including some that could be butterfly food.

Butterflies not native to Canada could also potentially carry pathogens, diseases, viruses, bacteria or fungi that could harm the local ecosystem, Jeffrey Marcus, a biology professor at the University of Manitoba whose research focuses on butterflies and related insects, told CBC News in May 2023.

At the time, Cabak said The Leaf was “confident no butterflies escaped from the building.” In the meantime, the exotic species were relocated to a holding facility, she said.

To read more about the butterflies, please visit CBC Manitoba.