Western Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly (Papilio rutulus) Western Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly Coloration and Size. Family ... east to western South Dakota and southeast Colorado. Swallowtail butterflies are generally distributed in nearly all parts of the world. Here are 5 fun Western Tiger Swallowtail butterfly facts that you are sure to enjoy and, hopefully, learn something new. Submit a Sighting × Coordinator Tools. The following descriptors identify this insect: yellow, black, blue, orange, white, stripes, eyespot, tails, flying. The western tiger swallowtail is a member of the family papilionidae, which consists of other subspecies of swallowtail butterflies. They are named differently in accordance to the respective regions, where they are dominant. Unlike milkweed-obsessed monarchs, the eastern tiger swallowtail will lay eggs on a wide range of host plants. I love to see butterflies flying around on a … Easily noticed and conspicuous in flight, the Western Tiger Swallowtail can be joined in flight during the summer months with companions like the Pale, Anise and Two-Tailed Swallowtails. Beautiful western tiger swallowtail butterfly on spring flowers. The Western Tiger Swallowtail most likely gets the “Tiger” part of its name since it has a similar appearance as a tiger (sort of). Western Tiger Swallowtail butterfly (Papilio rutulus) is a familiar sight throughout California often found in gardens of the Sa A western tiger swallowtail (Papilio rutulus) with wings spread open - on a soft colour background. The Western Tiger Swallowtail tends to hang out close to water, along canyons and even in our beloved city parks. A western tiger swallowtail butterfly scouring a desert plant for food in the Mazatzal Mountains.

Due to the pale yellow coloration of this specimen, it’s possible that this is a hybrid between a Western Tiger Swallowtail and a Pale Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio eurymedon). Western Tiger Swallowtail Papilio rutulus Lucas, 1852. This is probably the most spectacular butterfly you will see in Marin County; it is the largest, with a wingspan of about four inches, and the deep yellow color, striped in black, really catches the eye. The butterfly is bright yellow with four distinct black striped markings mainly on its upper wings. It is a striking butterfly, with impressive large yellow and black wings, and spots of blue and orange near its tail. These are active butterflies that prefer sunny habitats and can also be seen puddling in the mud, flocking together in large numbers.

The Western Tiger Swallowtail are butterflies that belong to the popular ‘swallowtail’ group that is well-known for their vibrant coloration and characteristic triangular wings. Western Tiger Swallowtail - Papilio rutulus.

Even more impressive in size (up to six-inch wingspan, compared to four inches for its western counterpart), the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (P. glaucus) bears similar markings of vertical black stripes on yellow, with black wing edge and two blue spots near each tail. A Western Tiger Swallowtail sipping nectar from the flowers of Showy Milkweed. Tonto National Forest, Arizona western swallowtail butterfly on purple lilac. Another western species that is quite similar is the Pale Swallowtail. Butterflies and Moths of North America. The Western Tiger Swallowtail is a beautiful, common butterfly, yellow with black stripes.

The Western Tiger Swallowtail is a common butterfly in the Western U.S., closely resembling its counterpart, the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail. Western Tiger Swallowtail, Papilio rutulus, subfamily Papilioninae, family Papilionidae (the swallowtails). Their butterfly life cycle also takes up to 2 months, so the odds are stacked against northern gardeners wanting to raise them with fewer generations and more plants to search! This Butterfly can be found in the following North American states / territories: The Western Tiger Swallowtail is typically 3.5 inches to 4.3 inches (90mm to 110mm) in size. Pending sightings Sightings I verified Species I created Unidentifiable sightings. In spring, groups of males puddle and patrol up and down stream corridors looking for a …

Don’t get me wrong, I highly doubt anyone would mistake this butterfly for a tiger. The western tiger swallowtail has a wingspan that is up to 10 cm. It is similar to the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, distinguished by location. The Western Tiger Swallowtail is a common butterfly of the Rocky Mountains that you have likely seen at some point.