Butterflies

Butterfly and Moth Image Gallery : Butterflies

Papilio (Pterourus) glaucus (Tiger Swallowtail)

This large, striking swallowtail has a wingspan of 3.5 to 5 inches. Males are yellow with black stripes and black borders on the wings. Females have two forms. One is yellow with similar markings to the male; the other is black, with black on lighter black underwing markings.

This species lives mostly in the tree tops in the forests and in urban and suburban wooded areas and parks. It is resident in all areas of Illinois. There are two generations each year. Adults drink flower nectar and puddle water, and also feed on carrion and animal feces. The female lays eggs on wild cherry, apple, tulip poplar, maple, ash, and other trees. Larvae molt in five stages. Pupae resemble bark on or near the host plant.

Collection of the Illinois State Museum
Photograph by Dr. Everett Cashatt
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Butterfly and Moth Image Gallery : Butterflies

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