The Short-Tailed Swallowtail Butterfly
The Short-Tailed Swallowtail Butterfly on this silver proof 50 cent coin can only be found in the Maritimes. It can be seen in gardens, flying over cliffs and rocky beaches by the sea, and above the tree line in the mountainous areas of this Atlantic region.
Reverse: On top, the year of issue. In the center, the colorful Short-Tailed Swallowtail butterfly, with flowers.
Obverse: Along the rim, on top, “Canada”. The portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. On the left, the face value. At the bottom, along the rim, "Elizabeth II".
The tails on this butterfly are shorter than other Swallowtails, and its wings are stubbier. It has a hint of orange in the rows of yellow dots that run along the edge of its black, rounded wings and a reddish-orange eye spot on the hindwing. It flies from mid-June to the end of July.
