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Pale swallowtail

Pale swallowtail

Papilio eurymedon

A species of Swallowtails, Also known as Pale tiger swallowtail

Their appearance is quite similar to that of the western tiger swallowtail, except they are a white-cream color or very pale yellow. Some pale swallowtails also have differing amounts of red-orange patches on the wings just above the tail. Tiger stripes and borders are thicker than those of western tiger swallowtails. The wingspan is typically 9 - 11 cm .Caterpillars are plump green with a single yellow band behind the thorax. They have two eye-shaped spots on the upper thorax, which may help frighten predators. Like most swallowtails, they have a red wishbone-shaped organ called the osmeterium, which pops out from behind the head and releases a foul odor to warn off predators. Caterpillars turn brown just before the fifth moult. The pupa is brown and looks like a piece of bark.

General Info About Pale swallowtail
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Attributes of Pale swallowtail
Colors
Black
White
Blue
Habitat
open woodland; forest clearing; pond; urban park; suburban area
Adult Food Sources
Eriodictyon crassifolium, salvia spathacea, salvia apiana, rhamnus californica
Larva Food Source
Lomatium utriculatum, lomatium californicum, ceanothus cuneatus, prunus virginiana
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Pale swallowtail is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
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Species Status of Pale swallowtail
It is found throughout much of the western North America.
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Distribution Area of Pale swallowtail
Much of the western North America
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Appearance of Pale swallowtail
Their appearance is quite similar to that of the western tiger swallowtail, except they are a white-cream color or very pale yellow. Some pale swallowtails also have differing amounts of red-orange patches on the wings just above the tail. The wingspan is typically 9 - 11 cm. Caterpillars are plump green with a single yellow band behind the thorax.
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How to Identify Pale swallowtail?

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Life Cycle of Pale swallowtail
Egg The egg stage consists of the pale swallowtail fastened to plant matter, often the underside of leaves. The eggs are small, spherical, and may vary in color but typically blend with the environment.
Larva Upon hatching, the larva or caterpillar emerges, exhibiting a voracious appetite for foliage. The colorful, segmented body grows quickly, and the pale swallowtail will molt several times, increasing in size with each stage.
Pupal The pupa stage, or chrysalis, is when the pale swallowtail undergoes transformation. Secured to a substrate, the chrysalis may show cryptic coloration for camouflage. Within, the pale swallowtail's body is reorganizing into its adult form.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult pale swallowtail's development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Adult Size of Pale swallowtail
Wingspan 10 - 14 cm
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Interesting Facts About Pale swallowtail
The pale swallowtail displays a fascinating behavior of hilltopping, where males fly to the highest ground to compete for passing females.
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Scientific Classification of Pale swallowtail
Tips for Finding Pale swallowtail
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Youth Habitat of Pale swallowtail
Forests and Woodlands
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Adult Habitat of Pale swallowtail
Forests and Woodlands, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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How Can You Attract Pale swallowtail
For adult pale swallowtails, sweet liquids such as nectar substitute or rotting fruit can be used to attract them. For caterpillars, host plants specific to pale swallowtail must be identified as these are the food sources for the larvae.
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Habitat Preferences of Pale swallowtail Through Different Life Stages
The egg stage of pale swallowtail is typically found on or near host plants where the female deposits the eggs. During the larval stage, pale swallowtail caterpillars are found on the leaves of these plants, where they feed and develop. As they mature into pupae, these insects often relocate to more secure, hidden locations such as under plant leaves, on tree trunks, or in surrounding foliage for protection while undergoing metamorphosis. Adults emerge as butterflies, commonly seen in areas abundant with nectar sources such as flower gardens, meadows, and forest edges, where they feed and mate.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Pale swallowtail
The best time to find adult pale swallowtails is on sunny days when they are most active, typically in the late morning or early afternoon. For finding eggs or caterpillars, any time of day could work, but milder temperatures are preferable.
Are Pale swallowtail harmful?
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Usually, the pale swallowtail won't threaten or hurt humans. But remember that even a worm will turn. Remember to still be cautious.

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Are Pale swallowtail harmful to humans?

They are not a poisonous butterfly, but they have a special gland that secretes bad smells and chemicals.
Harmful Effects of Pale swallowtail
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Garden and Landscape Pest

Larvae of pale swallowtail feed on the leaves of shrubs and herbs, leading to defoliation. In large numbers, they can strip plants bare, resulting in severe aesthetic and growth impacts. While mild infestations cause minimal damage, severe cases may threaten plant health.

More Effects of Pale swallowtail

Beneficial Effects of Pale swallowtail
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Smell
Pale swallowtail are vital to our ecosystem, fluttering from bloom to bloom. They are enchanted by the vibrant colors and alluring scents of flowers, which they visit to consume pollen, unintentionally transferring it and fertilizing plants. This interaction plays a crucial role in the reproduction of many flowering species.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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