June 15, 2007

Dark form female Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
Digital image June 9, 2006

Identification: Oplar, USGS Internet pages, Butterflies of Alabama -- The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail is very large, with a wingspan of 4 to 6 inches. The colors are usually dark, with pale to bright yellow spots near the edge of its wings and the tail. The preferred habitat is deserts, grasslands, forests and gardens.

The female form may be yellow or black with the hint of dark stripes. The hindwing of both female forms has iridescent blue scales and an orange marginal spot.