Species Insects & ArthropodsCanadian Tiger Swallowtail

Canadian Tiger Swallowtail

Papilio canadensis

CommonInsect & Arthropod
Illustration of Canadian Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio canadensis)

The Canadian Tiger Swallowtail is a large yellow butterfly with bold black tiger stripes, closely resembling the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail but restricted to northern forests. It has a single brood per year and adults are often seen mud-puddling along forest roads and streams. This species can hybridize with Eastern Tiger Swallowtails where their ranges overlap.

Habitat
Boreal forests, forest roads, and northern woodland edges
Diet
Larvae: birch, aspen, and cherry leaves. Adults: nectar and mineral-rich mud
How common
Common

Best time to see a Canadian Tiger Swallowtail

The best time to see a Canadian Tiger Swallowtail is June, when about 64% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 5,825 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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