Yard work: monarch butterflies?
Self-tutoring about insects one might see: the tutor wonders about some butterflies he’s seen lately.
Starting maybe three weeks ago, there were large, yellow and black butterflies happening along here and there. Sometimes they would be single, while other times flying in pairs, doing aerial dances. People were pointing them out, suggesting they were monarch butterflies.
I didn’t comment, but was skeptical, for a couple of reasons. First, I think monarch butterflies are orange rather than yellow. Second, I don’t believe they typically reach Vancouver Island. So, while these butterflies that have been visiting us are grand, I don’t believe they’re monarchs.
I looked up the situation, and it appears said butterflies might be western tiger swallowtail.
Source:
Jack of Oracle Tutoring by Jack and Diane, Campbell River, BC.