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Western Tiger Swallowtail

Papilio rutulus

The Western Tiger Swallowtail is a beautiful butterfly with yellow and black stripes. It flutters gracefully around gardens and parks, bringing joy to everyone who sees it.

Habitat: Urban areas

Appearance

The Western Tiger Swallowtail is a large, brightly colored butterfly with striking yellow wings marked by bold black tiger-like stripes. Its hindwings feature distinctive tails, along with areas of blue and orange spots near these tails, differentiating it from similar species.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyPapilionidaeGenusPapilio
Western Tiger Swallowtail
striped trait badgecolorful trait badgeherbivorous trait badgepollinator_magnet trait badge
Western Tiger Swallowtail

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Males sometimes gather in muddy puddles to drink water and minerals!

The chrysalis can be green or brown to blend perfectly with its surroundings!

Their caterpillars shed their skin four times before becoming a chrysalis!

These butterflies help flowers make seeds by carrying pollen from plant to plant!

Special abilities

Ability

Nectar Sipper

Western Tiger Swallowtail can drink flower nectar because it has a long, straw-like proboscis that helps them refuel.

Ability

Taste Testers

Western Tiger Swallowtail has special sensors on its feet that help them taste leaves and flowers before laying eggs or feeding.

Ability

False Alarm Tails

Western Tiger Swallowtail has eye-catching tails on its hindwings that can trick predators into attacking the wrong end, helping them escape.

Ability

Stinky Defender

Western Tiger Swallowtail caterpillars can scare away predators by flashing a stinky, orange, Y-shaped organ.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
70-100 mm
Size
35-55 mm
Lifespan
10-20 days
Flight Speed
20 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Adults drink flower nectar; caterpillars munch on leaves from host trees and shrubs.

Age differences: Larvae eat leaves, while adults sip nectar from various flowering plants.

Primary Foods

  • Flower nectar
  • Willow leaves
  • Aspen leaves
  • Cottonwood leaves
  • Cherry tree leaves

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Butterflies are gentle and safe to watch, but don't try to catch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Western Tiger Swallowtail's wingspan?

70-100 mm

How big is Western Tiger Swallowtail?

35-55 mm

How long does Western Tiger Swallowtail live?

10-20 days

How fast can Western Tiger Swallowtail fly?

20 km/h

What does Western Tiger Swallowtail eat?

Adults drink flower nectar; caterpillars munch on leaves from host trees and shrubs.

Where is Western Tiger Swallowtail usually found?

Urban areas

How does Western Tiger Swallowtail hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Western Tiger Swallowtail have?

6

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Where to spot

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