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May 30, 2023  |  By Matt Hamas

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Live

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail - IUCN Conservation Status: Insufficient Data

The eastern tiger swallowtail has a unique wing extension on its hindwings

This pretty pollinator is called an eastern tiger swallowtail. It is a common butterfly found throughout the Eastern United States, from spring through fall. Their range is as far south as Florida to as far north as southern Ontario. They can be found as far west as Colorado. This photo was taken in northwest Maine, near the town of Bethel. 

Monarch Butterfly

As the name implies, the eastern tiger swallowtail has a unique wing extension on its hindwings. There are a few physical identifiers that can be used to determine if the butterfly is male or female. Females are generally larger than males. Wingspans can range from about three inches to about five and a half inches. The males are yellow, with four stripes on each of their forewings. Females generally have three stripes. Female eastern tiger swallowtails can range in their appearance due to the fact that they are dimorphic. This means they have more than one coloration. The yellow morph female looks similar to the male, but the hindwing has more blue coloration. The other coloration of female eastern tiger swallowtail is significantly darker. The areas that are yellow in this photo would instead be black. If you look closely on some of these dark morph females, you will still be able to see the tiger stripes on the underside of their forewings.

These butterflies live in a variety of habitats. They have adapted well to a variety of plants.  Because of these characteristics, this butterfly is considered “secure” as a species. Although well adapted, these butterflies do have a favorite food. Eastern tiger swallowtails prefer the nectar from red and pink flowers. 

Juniper Hairstreak

What do these butterflies look like when they are in their caterpillar phase? They are generally green or brown and grow to be roughly two inches in length. They have false eye spots that are black, yellow, and blue. If they get disturbed, they can extend two orange horns. These are actually glands that are used to deter predators. The glands emit an unpleasant scent. 

They are generally green or brown and grow to be roughly two inches in length.

Flower ID

  • The flowers in this photo are oxeye daisies.

Did you know?

  • The eastern tiger swallowtail is the state butterfly of Alabama and the state insect of Virginia!
  • The eastern tiger swallowtail butterflies that live down south grow to be larger than the individuals that live up north. In fact, the southern females are the largest butterflies in North America.
This Month's Gallery
butterfly flower insect macro maine pollinators

Article by Matt Hamas

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1 Comment

  1. Tom July 23, 2023
    Reply←

    The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterfly is also the State insect of the State of Georgia. Excellent article!

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Matt Hamas and Ben Ivers here. We are focused on fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of the environment. We endeavor to bring you a unique perspective of the wild. Our photos are being placed here for you to enjoy. Please feel free to download any of the photos for your personal use. We are currently seeking partners for printing and developing photos.

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