This is the time of year for visits from swallowtail butterflies — so I watch for them. We have a number of different swallowtail species, and I thought that, on subsequent days, I had spotted two different ones. However, when I examined my pictures, they all seemed to be the same species: a Canadian Tiger Swallowtail. I certainly am open to contrary suggestions as to the ID.
In the battle between the botanist and the lepidopterist, the lilac makes a strong case, at least as a foil.
My original suspicion was that the third picture showed a pale swallowtail. A knowledgeable reader now suggested that that is indeed the case.
Very beautiful! I think that’s what we saw yesterday at the Kootenay Canal.