Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
Image: Felicia Bond, Illustrator; Margaret Wise Brown, Writer (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Common NameEastern Tiger Swallowtail
Scientific NamePapilio glaucus
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)110
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsyellow, black
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, forest edges, fields, suburban gardens, parks
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada to the Gulf Coast and eastern Texas
Host Plantswild cherry, sweetbay magnolia, tulip tree, ash, birch, cottonwood, willow
Flight PeriodApril to October
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are green with false eyespots, resembling bird droppings when young, then turning green with a swollen thorax. Pupae are brown or green, resembling a twig.
Identification TipsLook for its large size, bright yellow coloration with four distinct black stripes on the forewings, and a black border with yellow spots on the hindwings.
Description
A large, vibrant butterfly with bright yellow wings adorned with bold black tiger-like stripes and a thick black border.
