Latin name: Papilio glaucus
Common name: Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly
Insect family: Papilio, order Lepidoptera – Butterflies & Moths
Meaning: The name Lepidoptera, derived from the Greek words “lepido” for scale and “ptera” for wings, refers to the flattened hairs (scales) that cover the body and wings of most adults.2
Date/Location of specimen: May 2007 on my Korean Lilac bush in Akron
Description: The male is yellow with four black “tiger stripes” on each fore wing. Adults are seen from spring to fall, although the exact date varies depending on the location. In the south, they are seen from February to November; in the north, they are seen from May to September.
Pest/Disease & Gardening Limitations: None. It is one of the most familiar butterflies in the eastern United States, where it is common in many different habitats. 1
References:
1 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papilio_glaucus
2 https://www.cals.ncsu.edu/course/ent425/library/compendium/lepidoptera.html
Collection Sample # 8 of 8 INSECTS
Master Gardener Class Horticulture Portfolio
