Tiger Swallowtail butterflies (2.5-3.5 in wingspan) are one of North America's most familiar butterflies. They have yellow wings with a black border and wide black stripes. They can be found in open woodlands or tundra areas with stunted trees from central Alaska east across Canada and the Great Lakes to northern New England.
The mature caterpillars are dark green with two spots that look like eyes. They eat the leaves of Willow, Cherry, Balsam Poplar, Cottonwood, Aspen, and Ash. The butterflies use their very long tongue (proboscis) to reach the nectar deep inside Wood Lily flowers, picking up pollen on their wings to distribute to other plants at the same time.
In different areas you will find the Canadian, Eastern, and Western Tiger Swallowtails as well as Two-tailed and Pale Swallowtails. They are similar in appearance and behavior with some minor differences.
Did you know? Tiger Swallowtails are avid mud puddlers (as are Clouded Sulphurs), often gathering in large groups around mud puddles and jostling each other for position. Scientists believe they are after the salt.
See Also: Admiral Butterfly, Azure Butterfly, Banded Woolly Bear Caterpillar, Cabbage White, Clouded Sulphur, Compton Tortoiseshell, Great Spangled Fritillary, Hawk Moth, Monarch Butterfly, Mourning Cloak, Painted Lady, Tent Caterpillar
