Eastern Tiger Swallowtail

Females lay their eggs on a wide variety of woody plants, but they primarily prefer tulip trees (Liriodendron tulipifera), wild black cherry, and sweetbay magnolia. The caterpillars rely on the toxic compounds in these leaves to make themselves unpalatable to birds.

This is due to a genetic trait called dark morph mimicry, where the females evolve to completely lack the yellow pigmentation. These dark females mimic the appearance of the toxic Pipevine Swallowtail to deter predators like birds from eating them.

It holds the title of state butterfly for four different states: Alabama, Delaware, Georgia, and South Carolina. It was chosen due to its massive native range, which spans across the entire eastern half of the United States.

It is one of the largest butterflies in eastern North America, boasting a wingspan that ranges from 3.1 to 5.5 inches (7.9 to 14 cm). The males are typically smaller and brighter yellow than the larger females.