About Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
A large yellow butterfly with bold black tiger stripes and blue and orange markings on the hindwing margins. Females can occur in a dark morph mimicking the toxic pipevine swallowtail.
Did You Know?
The caterpillar has large false eyespots and can evert an orange forked gland called an osmeterium that emits a foul smell to deter predators.
How to Identify Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) belongs to the order Lepidoptera, family Papilionidae. Adults typically measure 79-140 mm wingspan.
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Habitat
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail is found in rivers & streams habitats, particularly across North America. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Diet and Feeding
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail feeds primarily on nectar from flowers. In doing so, it acts as an important pollinator, transferring pollen between plants and contributing to plant reproduction and biodiversity.
Where Is Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Found?
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail can be found in North America, where it inhabits rivers & streams environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Eastern Tiger Swallowtail can be found
Is Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Dangerous?
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Role in Nature
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail plays an important role as a pollinator. By visiting flowers to feed on nectar or pollen, it transfers pollen between plants, aiding in reproduction and helping to maintain plant diversity. Pollinators are essential for the production of many fruits, vegetables, and wildflowers.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
What does Eastern Tiger Swallowtail look like?
The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail typically measures 79-140 mm wingspan.
Where is Eastern Tiger Swallowtail found?
The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail is found in North America and typically inhabits rivers & streams environments.
What does Eastern Tiger Swallowtail eat?
The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail feeds primarily on nectar from flowers.
Is Eastern Tiger Swallowtail dangerous to humans?
The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Eastern Tiger Swallowtail?
The caterpillar has large false eyespots and can evert an orange forked gland called an osmeterium that emits a foul smell to deter predators.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/eastern-tiger-swallowtail
MLA:
"Eastern Tiger Swallowtail." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/eastern-tiger-swallowtail.