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Western Swallowtail

Papilio rutulus

photo © by Mike Plagens

Photographed by Mike Plagens along Sycamore Creek in the Pine Mountain Wilderness, Yavapai Co., Arizona, USA. 07 June 2009.

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The bold yellow and black striped pattern of the Western Tiger Swallowtail is similar to that of the Two-tailed Swallowtail, Papilio multicaudata, but is slightly smaller in wingspan, and each hind wing has but one tail. In Arizona, the Western Tiger, tends to occur at higher elevations, but in the same habitat type: riparian corridors. The caterpillars may be found feeding upon foliage of a variety of trees such as ash, cherry or aspen. The adult butterflies are frequent flower visitors and will also come to puddles when the weather is hot and dry.

Papilionidae -- Swallowtail Butterfly Family

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Copyright Michael J. Plagens, 1999-2010