Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
Image: Pearson Scott Foresman (Public domain)
Common NameEastern Tiger Swallowtail
Scientific NamePapilio glaucus
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)110
Primary Colorsyellow, black
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, forest edges, fields, gardens
Geographic RangeEastern North America
Host Plantswild cherry, tulip tree, sweetbay magnolia, ash, birch
Flight PeriodApril to October
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants, larvae are green with false eyespots, pupates into a chrysalis, and emerges as an adult butterfly.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its large size, yellow and black striped pattern, and a single prominent tail on each hindwing. Females can be dark morph, mimicking the Pipevine Swallowtail.
Description
A large, yellow and black striped swallowtail butterfly with prominent tails on its hindwings and a row of yellow spots along the wing margins.
