Western Tiger Swallowtail
Papilio rutulus
Range: This swallowtail is found throughout the U.S. west of the Rocky Mountains. In Canada, it has been recorded only in southern British Columbia from Vancouver Island east through the lower Fraser River Valley and then north into the Okanagan and Kootenay Valleys.
Description: The Western Tiger Swallowtail is very similar to the other tiger swallowtails with its distinctive black stripes on a yellow background. The lunulate submarginal markings on the underside of the hindwing are all yellow, while the submarginal spots on the forewing underside form a band. The uppermost spot on the border of the hindwing above is yellow. Wingspan: 65 to 90 mm.
Habits: This butterfly tends to stay close to water, along canyons, creeks, and into urban parks. It is an avid mud-puddler, usually outnumbering other swallowtails at wet spots where they occur together.
Butterfly guide book: Butterflies of Western North America
