The state butterfly will be making its home in Suffolk for the next year.

Within the next two weeks, the yellow, orange and black Tiger Swallowtail should be gracing the windshield of approximately 70,000 vehicles across the city.

The vibrant butterfly appears on city stickers this year.

For the last two decades, City Treasurer Ronald H. Williams has designed the decals to help plug Suffolk and its amenities.

&uot;We’ve always tried to promote the city and the objectives set by City Council on the decal,&uot; Williams said.

This year’s butterfly is meant to spotlight the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Williams said. Besides representing the city’s increased focus on tourism, particularly eco-tourism, it also reflects the 100th anniversary of the National Wildlife Refuge System.

Hopefully, Williams said, the butterfly will make people cast aside any stereotypes of the Great Dismal.

&uot;People tend to think of the swamp as being full of snakes and bears,&uot; Williams said. &uot;We’re trying to show people that there is a much greater diversity of wildlife there.&uot;

The decals cost $20 and must be on vehicles no later than Feb. 18. Residents who didn’t pay personal property taxes that were due Dec. 5 will have to settle that debt before their decal will be issued, Williams said.

You can buy decals at the City Treasurer’s office, 441 Market St. from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or use the drop box available 24 hours a day in front of the Municipal Building.

Call 923-3600 if you need more assistance.