Tiger Swallowtail Caterpillar
Scientific Name: Papilio glaucus
Order & Family: Lepidoptera: Papilionidae
Size: Can reach lengths of up to 2 inches (5 cm) before pupating.
Natural Habitat
Deciduous forests, woodlands, suburban parks, and gardens across Eastern North America.
Diet & Feeding
Leaves of host plants including wild cherry, tulip tree, birch, ash, and willow.
Behavior Patterns
Early instars resemble bird droppings to avoid predation. Later instars develop large eyespots to mimic a snake. They possess an osmeterium, a foul-smelling gland they can evert when threatened.
Risks & Benefits
Harmless to humans; may cause minor defoliation of host trees. As adults, they are important pollinators.
Identified on: 5/16/2026