We became interested in these magnificent butterflies after we found ourselves in the midst of their migration. We were working on a pool near Tuc-el-Nuit lake 3 years ago hundreds flew over us coming from the south heading north. The next year we counted 32. This year the swallowtail in the picture is number 44. After comparing her to the specimens in our “Butterflies of British Columbia” book we realized she is definately a Tiger Swallowtail but she has the two tails so we are calling her a Two Tailed Western Swallowtail.
We are pleased to say we have spotted #45
Enjoy them them their 2013 migration is almost over!

Submitted by Leann and Rod Parrent

Swallowtail butterflies are large, colorful butterflies in the family Papilionidae, which includes over 550 species. Though the majority are tropical, members of the family occur on every continent except Antarctica.

For pictures take in morning near lilac trees.