Eastern tiger swallowtail vs Black swallowtail
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell an eastern tiger swallowtail from a black swallowtail, and whether either one bites or stings.
Eastern tiger swallowtail
Papilio glaucus
Black swallowtail
Papilio polyxenes
≠The key differences
Tiger swallowtail usually has a yellow ground colour with black tiger stripes; the dark form of the female is mostly black but still shows faint 'shadow' stripes and lacks the rows of yellow spots on the body that black swallowtails have.
⚖︎Side by side
| Eastern tiger swallowtail | Black swallowtail | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Non-toxic | Non-toxic |
| Size | 80-140 mm wingspan | 6.5-10 cm wingspan |
| Colours | Yellow, Black, Blue (hindwing band), Orange (submarginal spot) | Black, Yellow, Blue, Orange |
| Family | Papilionidae | Papilionidae |
| Habitat | Woodland edges, riversides, suburban gardens, fields and parks throughout eastern North America | Open areas, gardens, meadows, roadsides and fields where host plants (Apiaceae and some Rutaceae) grow |
| Range | Eastern North America from Ontario and Maine south to Florida and west to the Great Plains; range overlaps with related tiger swallowtails in northern and western areas | Southern Canada and most of the United States east of the Rocky Mountains, plus the Southwest; south through Mexico and Central America to northern South America |
| Active | Spring to early autumn (generally March-September; earlier in southern range); active by day, especially sunny periods | Spring through fall (multiple broods in warm areas); diurnal (active during daylight) |
| Pest? | No | Yes |
🔍How to spot an eastern tiger swallowtail
- Large yellow wings with bold black 'tiger' stripes across both fore- and hindwings
- Characteristic tail-like extensions on each hindwing
- Blue band and orange submarginal spots on the hindwing; females may be dark melanic form lacking yellow ground color
🔍How to spot a black swallowtail
- Black wings with a band of yellow spots across forewing; hindwings have blue scaling and orange submarginal spots
- Distinctive swallowtail 'tails' on the hindwings
- Caterpillars are initially dark and white-banded (bird-dropping mimic), later becoming green with black bands and orange spots
- Wingspan typically 6.5-10 cm
?Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an eastern tiger swallowtail and a black swallowtail?
Tiger swallowtail usually has a yellow ground colour with black tiger stripes; the dark form of the female is mostly black but still shows faint 'shadow' stripes and lacks the rows of yellow spots on the body that black swallowtails have.
Is an eastern tiger swallowtail or a black swallowtail more dangerous?
Eastern tiger swallowtail: Non-toxic. Black swallowtail: Non-toxic. Not dangerous. Adults do not bite or sting and are harmless.
Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.