Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Facts

Male Markings

• Adult males and some adult females are predominantly yellow with black outlining the wings, black veining and four bold tiger stripe markings on the edge of the upper wing. Males also have a row of yellow dots on the lower black edge of the second set of wings. They also have a few powder blue spots on the bottom edge of the hind wing.

Female Markings

• Females may be yellow and also have yellow spots on the wing margins. There is also a black form of female with faint tiger stripes in the upper front edge of the forewing. They have powder blue on the lower hind wings separated from the black with a wavy line. Small yellow spots decorate the wing margins.

Life Cycle

• Males may patrol treetops and hilltops to scout for mates. Eggs are laid singly on host plants. The mature caterpillar, or larva, is green with a prominent eye spot high on the animal's thorax. The larva spins a net of silk on top of the leaf that causes the leaf to roll partially inwardly. This forms a convenient platform for the larva to use for rest after feeding sessions. The larvae feed on a variety of trees and shrubs, including birches and alders, apple trees, plum trees, hawthorn, quince, lilac and certain types of willow. After feeding ceases, the larva turns brown and moves to the ground to prepare for cocooning. The larva spends the winter in the cocoon. After leaving the cocoon, the tiger swallowtail feeds on nectar from lilac and other flowers, and obtains water and minerals from mud.

Habitat

• Eastern tiger swallowtails favor deciduous woods, forest edges, suburbs, parks and river valleys for habitat.