Canadian Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio canadensis)
The Canadian Tiger Swallowtail is a species of light-coloredbutterflies that are common in Canada, as their name suggests. Because of theirclose resemblance, they are often confused for the eastern tiger swallowtail bythe butterfly watchers. Adults are seen flying during spring and summer.
Scientific Classification
- Family: Papilionidae
- Genus: Papilio
- Scientific Name: Papilio canadensis
Description and Identification
Caterpillar
The mature larva has a large size with a green coloration and an enlarged head. There are two pairs of yellow dots and one pair of falseeyes with bluish hue in the middle. This profile renders a snake-like appearance to the creature, which is primarily to scare off its enemies. Whenthey are immature, they display brown and white body marks to mimic birddroppings. This gives them a look that isunappealing to its predators.
Pupa
The chrysalis is light to dark grayish brown in color. They hibernate and overwinter, hanging themselves from the twigs or branches using silk threads.
Adult Butterfly
Sexual Dimorphism: Not visibly present
Color and Appearance: When the wings are open, the upper side of both the male and the female’s forewings display relatively broad stripes in black on a yellowish white to cream base color. When the wings are closed, the theventral surface shows marginal yellowspots that have merged to form a continuous band. There are also numerousorange scales on the hindwings.
Average wingspan: 67 to 80 mm
Flight pattern: Medium to fast
Eggs
Translucent white to light greenish, and are laid singly on the host plant
Quick Facts |
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| Distribution | North America starting ranging from central Alaska southeast across Canada, as well as, the northern Great Lakes states to the northern regions of New England |
| Habitat | Deciduous, evergreen-deciduous woods, forest edges |
| Lifespan of adults | Up to 2 weeks |
| Host plants | Prunus serotina, and those belonging to the genus Betula, Populus, and Malus |
| Adult diet | Flower nectar |
Did You Know?
- The species has a black female form which is extremely rare.
- The butterfly was once erroneously classified as a subspecies of Papilio glaucus.
- The males are often seen gathering on wet soil, in groups, to consume moisture.
Dr. James Watuwa on January 2, 2019.
Butterfly Team
