Eastern Tiger Swallowtail

Papilio glaucus, the eastern tiger swallowtail, is a species of butterfly native to eastern North America. It is one of the most familiar butterflies in the eastern United States, ranging north to southern Ontario, Canada, and is common in many different habitats. It flies from spring until fall, during which it produces two to three broods. Adults feed on the nectar of many species of flowers, mostly from those of the families Apocynaceae, Asteraceae, and Fabaceae. P. glaucus has a wingspan measuring 7.9 to 14 cm. The male is yellow with four black "tiger stripes" on each forewing. Females may be either yellow or black, making the females dimorphic. The yellow morph has similar coloring to the male, but with a conspicuous band of blue spots along the hindwing; the dark morph is almost completely black. Scientific Name: Papilio glaucus Range: Eastern North America from Ontario to Florida and west to Colorado Size: Wingspan 8–14 cm Status: Common ID Notes: Bright yellow with four black 'tiger stripes' on each forewing and long tails on hindwings. Females are dimorphic — yellow form (like males) or dark form (mimics toxic Pipevine swallowtail). Behavior / Notes: State butterfly of multiple eastern US states including Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, and Virginia.