Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
Papilio glaucus
A large yellow-and-black native butterfly whose caterpillars develop on trees such as sweetbay, tuliptree, and black cherry.
Eastern Tiger Swallowtails move between woodland edges, parks, and gardens with nectar flowers. They are among Florida's largest and most recognizable butterflies.
Females lay single eggs on host-tree leaves. Caterpillars resemble small snakes when mature and expose a forked scent organ when threatened.
Habitat:
Forests and Woodlands, Urban and Residential Areas
Area / Range:
Statewide
Diet:
Adults drink nectar from many flowers. Caterpillars feed on leaves of native trees including sweetbay, tuliptree, black cherry, ash, and related hosts.
Behavior:
Strong daytime flier that visits flowers, patrols woodland edges, and gathers minerals from damp soil. Males often cross large areas searching for females.
Daytime
Active Times:
Best time to see:
Warm sunny days from spring through fall around flowering gardens and woodland edges.
Florida Native Status:
Native
Conservation Status:
Not federally or state listed; widespread where host trees and nectar plants occur.
Safety Level:
Low
Safety Information:
Harmless. Avoid touching wings or using broad-spectrum insecticides on host and nectar plants.
Benefits to Property:
Pollinates flowers and signals a landscape with both nectar plants and healthy native trees.
Property Concerns:
Caterpillars chew a small amount of host-tree foliage, but established trees normally tolerate feeding without lasting harm.
Fun Fact:
- Females occur in both yellow and dark forms.
- Caterpillars display false eyespots that resemble a snake's face.
- Males gather minerals from moist soil in a behavior called puddling.
Wildlife Laws:
No special listed-species protection applies, but collection in parks and preserves and pesticide use remain subject to site rules and label directions.
Identification:
Large yellow wings crossed by four black tiger stripes, black margins, and a tail on each hindwing. Females can be yellow or nearly black, with blue markings on the hindwings.