[nickcarraway]

Actually, the butterflies don’t, “come back.” These butterflies have never been to Pacific Grove. They are the great grandchildren of the butterflies that left last spring.

[Four of Six]

“Actually, the butterflies don’t, “come back.” These butterflies have never been to Pacific Grove. They are the great grandchildren of the butterflies that left last spring.*

Indeed. You are correct. Excellent observation. If memory serves me correctly, butterflies typically live between 2 - 4 weeks after emerging from their cocoon. Just long enough to eat, fatten up, mate and then lay eggs.