Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Facts
- This breathtaking Lepidoptera most commonly goes by the somewhat informative common name of the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail. Surprisingly, this Arthropod possesses no other widely accepted general name. That sets it apart from the majority of its many related species.
- Within the scientific community, however, it’s perhaps much better known by another moniker. That’s its official, technical name. In the annals of science, it holds the name of the Papilio glaucus. Fortunately for the layperson, that’s a much simpler term than most hold.
- The stunning insect received that specific name due to the efforts of the highly esteemed Swedish zoologist, Carl Linnaeus. He accomplished the first recorded recognition of it as a separate and distinct species. That scientifically noteworthy action occurred in the year 1758.
- Its great visual appeal additonally led to this marvel of Nature holding a unique distinction. Within the region it inhabits, it’s been named the official state butterfly of five different states. More specifically still, this marvel’s also the formal state insect of yet another state.
- Thankfully, the gorgeous Eastern Tiger Swallowtail seems to be maintaining a population base that’s both sufficient and stable. That also appears to hold true throughout the entirety of its range. The IUCN, therefore has no listing for it on its Red List of Threatened Species.
- The remarkable creature nevertheless faces the same potential threats as most species on earth today, at least. Many of these occur directly due to the actions of man. Habitat degradation and loss pose a possible danger. It also faces the potential threats ongoing climate change.
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Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Physical Description
The magnificent Eastern Tiger Swallowtail immediately captivates those lucky individuals who encounter it. Unlike some of its relatives, though, it does so for several reasons. Its beauty alone would suffice to impress, to be certain. Yet this wonder of Nature also ranks as a large butterfly.
It does follow one pattern extremely common among Lepidoptera, however. That’s because, like them, it displays a moderate degree of the physiological trait of sexual dimorphism. In its specific case, though, this natural characteristic actually manifests itself in both size and appearance.
Females of the beautiful species typically attain a slightly greater wingspan than the males. Interestingly, this also varies according to region. This measurement thus depends greatly on the area in which the individual lives. Overall, however, this averages from 3.1 – 5.5 in (7.9 – 14 cm).
Individuals from the more northern part of its range tend to be smaller than their southern counterparts. This has no apparent impact on their coloring, though. The two sexes, do, however, clearly disintinguish themselves here, too. And the females also manage complicate things further.
Males of the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail present predominantly bright yellow wings. Four black stripes also appear on each forewing. The outer edge also shows black, along with a series of yellow dots. Yet, the hindwing shows a vibrant mixture of yellow, red, and blue spots in various places.
Yet, the females show two separate, but clearly distinct, patterns. Some individuals present a primarily dark gray or black background across both wings. Others displays a mainly yellow background, like the males. Faint blue areas appear on the hindwings, and a row of orange spots.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Family: Papilionidae
- Genus: Papilio
- Species: P. glaucus
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
The visual splendor that is the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail evolved as native to a limited region of the world. That area, however, is one that likely won’t surprise many people. That’s true since this marvel of Nature and evolution evolved as native to a specific portion of North America.
Even there, though, its territory remains relatively limited in nature. It only lives within the boundaries of the United States. As its name indicates, it also lives only in the most eastern part of the country. That range extends south from Vermont to Florida, and west to Texas and the plains.
This lovely Arthropod evolved as comparatively adaptible in terms of its main habitat requirements. Within its endemic range, the insect makes its home anywhere deciduous forests appear. This includes such highly varied locations as fields, woodlands, creeks, rivers, roadsides, and gardens.
Yet, this fabulous creation of invertebrate evolution doesn’t simply stop there in its habitation practices. That’s because it does not hesitate to venture into regions of densely concentrated human populations. Due to this, it’s a common sight in city parks, private yards and gardens, as well.
The breathtaking Eastern Tiger Swallowtail evolved as principally diurnal in its behavioral patterns. Most adults live largely solitary lives. Individuals also generally fly above the tree canopy, unless descending to feed. Males also seek females by patrolling concentrations of potential food plants.
The adults of the species also make use of a wide range of food sources. Intriguingly, though, they show a strong preference for the nectar from flowers that are either pink or red in color. Daisies and various legumes represent popular choices, though they do not actively seem to discriminate.
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