Appalachian Tiger Swallowtail
Common NameAppalachian Tiger Swallowtail
Scientific NamePapilio appalachiensis
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)110
Primary Colorsyellow, black, blue, orange
HabitatMoist deciduous forests, especially in mountainous regions and along stream valleys.
Geographic RangeAppalachian Mountains, from Pennsylvania south to Georgia and Alabama.
Host Plantsblack cherry, sweet birch, tulip tree, ash
Flight PeriodLate May to early July (single brood)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae progress through several instars, initially resembling bird droppings, then turning green with eyespots. They pupate into a chrysalis, overwintering in this stage before emerging as adults in late spring.
Identification TipsDistinguished from the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail by its larger size, single annual brood, and often a more elongated hindwing shape with a distinct blue wash on the hindwing underside. The black stripes tend to be broader than those of *P. glaucus*.
Description
A large, striking yellow butterfly with bold black tiger stripes across its wings. The hindwings feature a prominent row of blue and orange spots, and characteristic tails.
