Western Tiger Swallowtail
Common NameWestern Tiger Swallowtail
Scientific NamePapilio rutulus
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)70
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsyellow, black, blue, orange
HabitatOpen woodlands, riparian areas, parks, gardens, urban areas
Geographic RangeWestern North America, from British Columbia south to Baja California, and east to the Great Plains
Host PlantsPopulus tremuloides, Salix, Populus, Alnus, Prunus virginiana, Fraxinus, Platanus
Flight PeriodApril to September
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 can be green or brown, often overwintering in this stage.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its prominent yellow and black striped pattern, the presence of tails on the hindwings, and a characteristic row of blue spots and an orange spot near the anal angle of the hindwing.
Description
A large, striking butterfly with bright yellow wings adorned with bold black tiger stripes. The hindwings feature a row of yellow spots along the margin, often with blue and orange spots near the tails.
