ExploreInsects

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail

Papilio glaucus

The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail is a large, beautiful butterfly with yellow and black stripes. It flutters gracefully among flowers!

Habitat: Wetlands and gardens

Appearance

The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail is a large butterfly, typically bright yellow with striking black 'tiger' stripes on its wings. Some females are entirely dark black, mimicking toxic butterflies. Its hindwings often feature a row of blue spots and a splash of orange.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyPapilionidaeGenusPapilio
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
wildlife trait badgecolorful trait badgeherbivorous trait badgewetland trait badge
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

543

Interesting facts

Adult males have special scent scales on their wings to attract females.

Caterpillars build a silken mat on leaves to rest and hide.

Its tongue is like a long straw that unrolls to sip flower nectar!

These butterflies sometimes gather in 'puddling' groups to drink minerals from wet dirt!

Special abilities

Ability

Clever Disguise

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail caterpillars can look like bird droppings when small, and later develop 'fake eyes' to resemble a snake's head to scare predators.

Ability

Master Mimicry

Some female Eastern Tiger Swallowtails have dark wings that mimic the poisonous Pipevine Swallowtail, helping them avoid hungry birds.

Ability

Nectar Sip

Eastern Tiger Swallowtails have a long, coiled proboscis that unrolls like a straw, helping them sip sweet nectar deep inside flowers.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
76-150 mm
Size
50-75 mm
Lifespan
7-14 days
Flight Speed
25 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Adults sip sweet nectar from many flowers; caterpillars munch on tree leaves.

Age differences: Young caterpillars eat tree leaves, while adult butterflies drink nectar from flowers.

Primary Foods

  • Tulip tree leaves
  • Wild cherry leaves
  • Lilac nectar
  • Milkweed nectar
  • Thistle nectar

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

Tiger Swallowtail

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Eastern Tiger Swallowtail?

The easiest way to identify Eastern Tiger Swallowtail is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

What is Eastern Tiger Swallowtail's wingspan?

76-150 mm

How big is Eastern Tiger Swallowtail?

50-75 mm

How long does Eastern Tiger Swallowtail live?

7-14 days

How fast can Eastern Tiger Swallowtail fly?

25 km/h

What does Eastern Tiger Swallowtail eat?

Adults sip sweet nectar from many flowers; caterpillars munch on tree leaves.

Where is Eastern Tiger Swallowtail usually found?

Wetlands and gardens

How does Eastern Tiger Swallowtail hunt?

Foraging

Snap Map

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Recent Snaps

Where to spot

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Rock Creek Regional Park

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Colonial Park place preview
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New Jersey, US

Colonial Park

Birdwatching, Hiking, Family Friendly, Wheelchair Accessible, Gardens, Nature Trails, Picnicking, Paddle Boats

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Lake Fairfax Park place preview
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Virginia, US

Lake Fairfax Park

Hiking, Biking, Camping, Family Friendly, Birdwatching, Boating, Water Park, Wildlife, Nature Trails, Picnic Areas.

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Washington and Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park place preview
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Virginia, US

Washington and Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park

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Williamsburg Manor Park place preview
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Virginia, US

Williamsburg Manor Park

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