insect · GBIF taxon 1938016
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
Papilio glaucusAlso known as Tiger Swallowtail, Eastern Tiger
These large, striking butterflies glide gracefully through open woodlands, suburban gardens, and forest edges across eastern North America. Males patrol territories along rivers and canopy gaps, while females lay single green eggs on the leaves of host trees like wild cherry and tulip tree. The caterpillars undergo a dramatic transformation, starting as bird-dropping mimics before turning bright green with large, startling eyespots to deter predators.
DiurnalPollinatorColorful
- diet
- Nectar from flowers such as milkweed, thistle, and wild cherry; caterpillars eat leaves of woody plants.
- family
- Papilionidae
- threats
- Habitat fragmentation, pesticide use, and loss of native host trees.
- life Span
- About 10 to 14 days as an adult; up to one month total including egg, larval, and pupal stages.
LC
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- Create a puddle: Place a shallow dish of wet sand or mud in the sun to attract males seeking essential minerals.
- Plant host trees: Grow wild black cherry, tulip tree, or sweetbay magnolia to encourage females to lay eggs in your yard.
- Watch the canopy: Look up into the treetops on sunny afternoons to spot males patrolling their territories.