ANACONDA (AP) -- A butterfly that emerged from a cocoon at a bank this winter has died, but his memory and a dozen winged would-be companions live on.

Butterfly Bob, a tiger swallowtail, hatched in January under a desk at First National Bank's drive-through operation and was expected to live for just a couple of weeks.

He became a pet for employees, who fed him sugar water and tried to find him a mate, and a conversation piece for customers. He hadn't flown for weeks because his wings had deteriorated, but would climb human fingers and perch in the drive-through window.

Bob's health took a turn for the worse last week.

''He wouldn't eat Monday morning; he didn't even want to try,'' said bank employee Julie Schalk. ''He was just real spastic, and (teller) Krystie (Schiele) said, 'I think we're losing him.' ''

Employees found him dead when they got to work Tuesday.

''It's just kind of a let-down,'' Schiele said. ''I think it's hard for everyone.''

The bank is a little more sullen since the sociable insect died, but it probably won't stay that way. A dozen Painted Lady caterpillars, meant to be Bob's companions, are expected to hatch from cocoons in a few days.

In the meantime, customers and visitors who drove from as far as Missoula to get a glimpse of Bob, are stopping by with butterfly magnets, cards, glassware and other memorabilia.

''It seems so funny over just a butterfly, but he meant a lot to people,'' Schalk said.