Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus)
Tiger swallowtails are most often seen at the Field Station in late March or April, however, in some years they are found well into the summer. Typically, they are found around the forest edges particularly near water and the various flowering plants scattered throughout the property. They tend to be one of the largest butterflies we have ranging from 4 to 6.5 inches (10 to 16.5 cm). Interestingly, the female butterflies display two different color forms. The may be predominantly yellow like the males or predominantly black like spicebush butterflies. They can be distinguished from the spicebush swallowtails by the orange spots they have on their hind wings.