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Papilio glaucas
The Tiger Swallowtail butterfly (Papilio glaucas) is a strong flier with distinctive yellow and black striped markings on its wings and body (some females are brown or black, mimicking the poisonous pipevine swallowtail). This relatively common butterfly has a wingspan of 3.5-6.5 inches (9-16.5 cm). Southern subspecies are larger than the northern ones. These butterflies are called swallowtails because they have long "tails" on their hindwings which look a bit like the long, pointed tails of swallows (a type of bird).
The Tiger Swallowtail butterfly frequents woodlands (including temperate deciduous forests) and grasslands, but is also found in a variety of environments, including cities. It is found throughout the Eastern USA and Canada.
Spotted on Apr 17, 2010
Submitted on Apr 30, 2011
2 Comments
Thank you both for the information. It is appreciated.
That is definitely the Tiger Swallowtail, but the range map for the Western Tiger Swallowtail doesn't cover Ohio. That is more likely the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail.