Western Tiger Swallowtail

Deciduous woodlands, river canyons, parks, suburbs, and gardens

Adults feed on flower nectar from various plants (such as bougainvillea, milkweed, and lilac); caterpillars feed on foliage of broadleaf trees like cottonwood, willow, and aspen.

Diurnal fliers with high, strong flight patterns. Males exhibit hilltopping behavior while searching for mates and gather at mud puddles to extract minerals.

Completely harmless to humans. Serves as a valuable pollinator for flowering plants and contributes to local biodiversity.