Canadian Tiger Swallowtail
Scientific Name: Papilio canadensis
Category: insect
Brief Description
A large, vibrant yellow and black butterfly common in North American woodlands and gardens.
Characteristics
Large wingspan of 67 to 80 mm; bright yellow wings with four thick black tiger-stripes; black borders with small yellow spots; a single 'tail' on each hindwing.
Habitat
Deciduous and mixed forests, forest edges, wooded suburban areas, and river valleys in Canada and northern USA.
When to Find It
Single brood annually, flying from mid-May through July, most active on sunny days.
Conservation Status
Secure
Ecological Role
Important pollinator for various native wildflowers and shrubs; serves as a food source for birds and spiders.
Easily Confused With
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) is very similar but generally larger and found further south; they are best distinguished by DNA or location in the hybrid zone.
Observation Tips
Look for them puddling on damp ground to ingest minerals or visiting purple flowers like Dame's Rocket and Lilacs. Check for them in sunny clearings near their host plants such as Birch, Aspen, or Willow.
Interesting Facts
Unlike many butterflies, the Canadian Tiger Swallowtail is cold-tolerant and is the provincial insect of Quebec. They spend the winter as a pupa (chrysalis) attached to a branch.
User Notes
June 8, 2026 Head Lake, Ontario