Appalachian Tiger Swallowtail
Pterourus appalachiensis

Size:
Wingspan is 3 1/2 - 5 inches.

Similar Species:
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
Canadian Tiger Swallowtail (smaller)

Habitat:
Woodlands, fields, clearings in the Appalachian Mountains during spring. Sometimes can be seen soaring at the treetops and flying along waterways.

Range/Abundance:
Very common in the Appalachian Mountains during spring from northwestern SC to New England.

Flight Period:
Adults fly from the middle of March until June, slightly later further north in a single brood.

Larval Host Plants:
Larval food is unknown at this time, more research is needed. Larva rejects the food that normal Eastern Tiger Swallowtails eat.

Identification Hints:
Males usually fly at 2-3 meters and are huge compared to the smaller spring form Eastern Tiger Swallowtail. Females have not been found to have a dark form and they usually are treetop fliers. It looks a lot like a Canadian Tiger Swallowtail but is much larger.

Comments:
This newly described Tiger Swallowtail species has been overlooked for a long time. Some experts dispute that this is a separate species and at this time its not shown or mentioned in any field guides.

The top, second and third photos were taken in Clay Co., NC on May 04, 2003. The bottom photo was taken in Macon Co., NC on May 25, 2002.

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