Insect
Western Tiger Swallowtail
Papilio rutulusWestern Tiger Swallowtails are large yellow butterflies crossed by four black stripes on each forewing. Long tails, blue and orange hindwing spots, and a strong gliding flight make adults conspicuous along sunny corridors.
swallowtailriparianyellow butterfly
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyAdults drink flower nectar; caterpillars eat leaves of willow, cottonwood, aspen, and related trees
Predators
- birds
- spiders
- predatory insects
ThreatsPesticides, loss of host trees, drought, and removal of nectar sources
HabitatsRiver corridors, canyons, open woodlands, parks, and gardens near larval host trees
Life spanAdults live for several weeks; development from egg through chrysalis takes weeks to months
Classification
- OrderLepidoptera
- FamilyPapilionidae
- GenusPapilio
- SpeciesPapilio rutulus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Observe without touching the delicate wings or collecting caterpillars.
Responsible observation
- Look: Search sunny stream corridors where adults patrol above willow and cottonwood.
- Identify: Count four black forewing stripes and check for long hindwing tails.
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Mystic Meadows
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