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Western tiger swallowtail

Western tiger swallowtail

Papilio rutulus

A species of Swallowtails

With strikingly vibrant wings, western tiger swallowtail flutters through temperate habitats displaying a luminous palette on its dorsal surface. The underside, in contrast, is more subdued to camouflage against predators when resting. As a larvae, western tiger swallowtail's diet strictly comprises foliage from specific host plants, playing a crucial role in its development into the iridescent winged-adult, which feeds on a variety of flower nectars, essential for energy during flight and reproduction.

General Info About Western tiger swallowtail
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Attributes of Western tiger swallowtail
Colors
Black
Yellow
Blue
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Western tiger swallowtail is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Western tiger swallowtail is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Western tiger swallowtail feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
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Species Status of Western tiger swallowtail
The normal range of this species covers much of western North America.
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Distribution Area of Western tiger swallowtail
Western North America
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Appearance of Western tiger swallowtail
It is a large, brightly colored and active butterfly, rarely seen at rest; its wingspan is 8 - 11 cm, and its wings are yellow with black stripes, and it has blue and orange spots near its tail. It has the "tails" on the hindwings that are often found in swallowtails. The eggs are deep green, shiny, and spherical. Young caterpillars resemble bird droppings, and as they molt, they eventually turn bright green, with a pair of large yellow eyespots with black and blue pupils. The caterpillars molt five times, eventually reaching a length up to 5 cm before pupating. The chrysalis is green in summer and dark brown in winter, and looks like a piece of wood.
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How to Identify Western tiger swallowtail?

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Life Cycle of Western tiger swallowtail
Egg The egg stage is the first phase, where western tiger swallowtail lays eggs on a host plant. These eggs are often spherical or ovular, minute, and vary in color depending on the species.
Larva As larvae, western tiger swallowtail are commonly called caterpillars. They have a tubular, segmented body with a varying color pattern that changes with each molt. Their primary function is to eat and grow.
Pupal In the pupal stage, western tiger swallowtail forms a chrysalis. The shape and color of the chrysalis blend with the environment. Inside, western tiger swallowtail undergoes significant transformation, reorganizing into an adult.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult western tiger 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 Western tiger swallowtail
8 - 11 cm
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Predators of Western tiger swallowtail Larvae
Birds, mammals (e.g., rodents), parasitic insects (e.g., wasps), spiders
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Predators of Adult Western tiger swallowtail
Birds, mammals (e.g., bats), spiders, insects (e.g., dragonflies, mantises)
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Scientific Classification of Western tiger swallowtail
Tips for Finding Western tiger swallowtail
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How Can You Attract Western tiger swallowtail
For trapping or attracting adult western tiger swallowtail, potential food sources such as flower nectar, overripe fruit, or artificial nectar solutions can be used.
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Habitat Preferences of Western tiger swallowtail Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of western tiger swallowtail are laid on host plants, typically citrus trees found in gardens or orchards. Caterpillars, on emerging, remain on these plants, consuming foliage voraciously. Searching for caterpillars requires examining the undersides of leaves for feeding damage. Pupae are often camouflaged on the stems or leaves of the same or nearby plants, demanding a keen eye to spot. Finally, when seeking adult western tiger swallowtail, look near flowering plants where nectar is abundant, as adults predominantly feed on flower nectar and are drawn to gardens, meadows, and fields rich with blossoming flora.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Western tiger swallowtail
The best time to find western tiger swallowtail is typically during warmer months when they are most active, mostly during daylight hours especially when the sun is out as they are sun-loving creatures.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Western tiger swallowtail
Sunny and calm weather conditions are ideal when searching for western tiger swallowtail as they prefer to fly in these conditions and are less active during cold, rainy, or windy days.
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How and Where Can You Find Western tiger swallowtail at Different Life Stages
Egg Western tiger swallowtail eggs are often laid on the host plants. Look for tiny spherical or oval objects fixed to the underside of leaves or stems of the host plant species.
Larva Western tiger swallowtail caterpillars can be found by searching the host plants they feed on. Look for chewed leaves and frass (caterpillar droppings) as indicators of their presence.
Pupal Western tiger swallowtail pupae can be found suspended from twigs or hidden in leaf litter. Search near the host plants where western tiger swallowtail caterpillars were feeding, looking for camouflaged pupae that resemble the surrounding environment.
Adult Western tiger swallowtail adults are most visible when they are feeding on nectar from flowers. Visit gardens, meadows, or fields with blooming flowers to spot them, especially on sunny and warm days when they are most active.
Are Western tiger swallowtail harmful?
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Usually, the western tiger 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 Western tiger swallowtail harmful to humans?

They are not a poisonous butterfly, but they have a special gland that secretes bad smells and chemicals.
Beneficial Effects of Western tiger 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
Prefer Plant Type
Asteraceae, Rosaceae
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar, Accidental Contamination While Feeding On Nectar
Western tiger swallowtail are attracted to flowers by their vivid colors and distinct shapes, often visiting Asteraceae and Rosaceae families. They feed on nectar and pollen, playing a key role in pollination through accidental contamination while feeding.
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