Photo © Jim Steamer
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eastern tiger swallowtail
Papilio glaucus
Identification: Wingspan 2 1/2 - 4 1/2 inches. Male is yellow with dark tiger stripes. Female has 2 forms: one yellow like the male and the other black with shadows of dark stripes. Hindwing of both female forms has a row of striking blue chevrons and an iridescent blue wash over parts of the interior hindwing. The upperside hindwing has a prominent orange marginal spot that is generally larger than the row of pale marginal spots. On the underside of forewing of spring individuals the row of marginal spots may be merged into a continuous band, thus appearing similar to the Canadian Tiger Swallowtail.
Habitat: Deciduous broadleaf woods, forest edges, river valleys, parks, and suburbs.
Garden Habit: Two broods in the north, three in the south. Males patrol for receptive females. Females lay eggs singly on host leaves. Caterpillars eat leaves and rest on silken mats on the upper surface of leaves. Chrysalids overwinter.
Host Plants: Leaves of various trees including wild cherry, black cherry, basswood, tulip tree, birch, wafer ash, cottonwood, and willow.
Identification: Wingspan 2 1/2 - 4 1/2 inches. Male is yellow with dark tiger stripes. Female has 2 forms: one yellow like the male and the other black with shadows of dark stripes. Hindwing of both female forms has a row of striking blue chevrons and an iridescent blue wash over parts of the interior hindwing. The upperside hindwing has a prominent orange marginal spot that is generally larger than the row of pale marginal spots. On the underside of forewing of spring individuals the row of marginal spots may be merged into a continuous band, thus appearing similar to the Canadian Tiger Swallowtail.
Habitat: Deciduous broadleaf woods, forest edges, river valleys, parks, and suburbs.
Garden Habit: Two broods in the north, three in the south. Males patrol for receptive females. Females lay eggs singly on host leaves. Caterpillars eat leaves and rest on silken mats on the upper surface of leaves. Chrysalids overwinter.
Host Plants: Leaves of various trees including wild cherry, black cherry, basswood, tulip tree, birch, wafer ash, cottonwood, and willow.