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• The butterflies:
• Swallowtails
• Swallowtails
  • Pipevine Swallowtail
  • Zebra Swallowtail
  • Black Swallowtail
  • Giant Swallowtail
  • Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
  • Canadian Tiger Swallowtail
  • Spicebush Swallowtail

Canadian Tiger Swallowtail

(Papilio canadensis)

The Canadian Tiger Swallowtail is a very common and conspicuous butterfly of northern Wisconsin. It is replaced in the south by its close relative, the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail. This species and the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail used to be considered subspecies and some confusion has resulted because of this. The USGS site currently has grouped the two Wisconsin species together under the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail. Historical data will be included when it becomes available.

Identifying characteristics: Above: bright yellow with broad black stripes; females are nearly identical to the males. Below: similar to the top side, mainly yellow background with bold black stripes.

Similar species: Canadian Tiger Swallowtails have the following characteristics: 1) the yellow marginal spot band on the front wing below is continuous, while in the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail these are broken into distinct spots (Unfortunately, some Canadian Tiger Swallowtails may have some distinct spots and the lighting may make it appear as if they are seperate as in the top photo on the right where the yellow spots on the top of the wing show through and may make it appear to be distinct spots underneath.); and 2) the broad, black line on the trailing margin of the hind wing is at least half way to the first vein, in the Eastern this is less than half way, and in fact it is often much less than half way in Eastern Tiger Swallowtails that I have seen.

Habitat: Wooded areas and open areas near woodlands.

Flight: One brood; on the wing in June and July.

Abundance: Common throughout the northern part of the state.

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