Species Insects & ArthropodsWestern Tiger Swallowtail

Western Tiger Swallowtail

Papilio rutulus

CommonInsect & Arthropod
Illustration of Western Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio rutulus)

The Western Tiger Swallowtail is the western counterpart of the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, displaying the same vivid yellow and black striped pattern with blue and orange hindwing spots. It is one of the most familiar large butterflies west of the Rockies. Males congregate at moist soil and puddles to obtain sodium and minerals.

Habitat
Riparian corridors, canyons, gardens, and woodland edges
Diet
Larvae: willow, cottonwood, and sycamore leaves. Adults: nectar
How common
Common

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