Canadian Tiger Swallowtail
Common NameCanadian Tiger Swallowtail
Scientific NamePapilio canadensis
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)75
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsyellow, black
HabitatBoreal forests, deciduous woodlands, forest edges, clearings, riverbanks
Geographic RangeNorthern North America, including most of Canada and parts of the northern United States
Host Plantstrembling aspen, balsam poplar, paper birch, black cherry
Flight PeriodLate May to early August
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are green with false eyespots, pupating into a chrysalis that overwinters before emerging as an adult in spring.
Identification TipsDistinguished from the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail by its generally smaller size, more northern range, and the consistent yellow coloration of females (no dark morph). The black stripes are typically bolder, and the postmedian yellow band on the hindwing is usually continuous.
Description
A large, vibrant butterfly with bright yellow wings boldly marked with distinct black tiger stripes, featuring prominent tails on its hindwings and a row of blue and orange spots along the hindwing margin.
