Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
by Randy Scherkenbach
Title
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
Artist
Randy Scherkenbach
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
Papilio glaucus, the eastern tiger swallowtail, is a species of swallowtail butterfly native to eastern North America. It is one of the most familiar butterflies in the eastern United States, where it is common in many different habitats. It flies from spring to fall, during which it produces two to three broods. Adults feed on the nectar of many species of flowers, mostly from those of the families Apocynaceae, Asteraceae, and Fabaceae. P. glaucus has a wingspan measuring 7.9 to 14 cm (3.1 to 5.5 in). The male is yellow with four black "tiger stripes" on each forewing. Females may be either yellow or black, making them dimorphic. The yellow morph is similar to the male, but with a conspicuous band of blue spots along the hindwing, while the dark morph is almost completely black.
The green eggs are laid singly on plants of the families Magnoliaceae and Rosaceae. Young caterpillars are brown and white; older ones are green with two black, yellow, and blue eyespots on the thorax. The caterpillar will turn brown prior to pupating. It will reach a length of 5.5 centimetres (2.2 in). The chrysalis varies from a whitish color to dark brown. Hibernation occurs in this stage in locations with cold winter months.
The eastern tiger swallowtail is the state butterfly of Alabama (as well as state mascot),[Delaware, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina, and is the state insect of Virginia.
Uploaded
June 25th, 2020
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Comments (1)
Randy Rosenberger
Congratulations for having this great piece of artwork chosen to be featured in our Wisconsin Flowers and Scenery group. I am proud to be able to support and promote all artists within our group. I very much enjoyed viewing the masterfully done piece from you portfolio to show off to all other artists and to attract perspective buyers. Thanks for sharing your beautiful artwork with all FAA members. Well worthy of this recognition.