Canadian Tiger Swallowtail

Papilio canadensis

Identification: Medium—2.9" (averages smaller than Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, but is in general very similar). Above: FW and HW yellow with black stripes, the yellow being somewhat paler than in Eastern Tiger. Dark stripe on inner wings along body (also visible below) is thicker than in Eastern. Females have blush of bright blue near base of tails. Below: Yellow and black colors more muted. Submarginal yellow stripe on FW is more or less continuous (not interrupted by black as in Eastern). Dark females are very rare.

NJ Status and Distribution: Resident? A northern species with only 1 photo-documented record from NJ (High Point SP, 6/9/01).

Habitat: Wood edges and clearings.

Flight Period: One brood that flies from early June into mid-summer (between the spring and summer broods of Eastern Tiger).

Caterpillar Food Plants: Most commonly birches (Betula) and aspens (Populus).

Overwintering Stage: Pupa.

Good Locations: The best chance of encountering this species is probably at the higher elevations of Sussex County such as High Point SP and Stokes SF.

Comments: Photographs of suspected Canadian Tiger Swallowtails should be sent to the New Jersey Chapter of NABA for ID. The status of this species in NJ needs clarification.

Connecticut Lakes, NH, 6/15/10.

Connecticut Lakes, NH, 6/15/10, on Orange Hawkweed.

High Point SP, Sussex Co., NJ, 6/9/01, on Cleavers (posed).