Western Swallowtail
Papilio rutulus
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
More Information:
- Art Shapiro's Butterfly Site
- Butterflies and Moths of North America
- Bugguide - Iowa State University
- Google Images
- Google Scholar Literature Search