Eastern tiger swallowtail vs Spicebush swallowtail
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell an eastern tiger swallowtail from a spicebush swallowtail, and whether either one bites or stings.
Eastern tiger swallowtail
Papilio glaucus
Spicebush swallowtail
Papilio troilus
≠The key differences
Usually darker overall with more green/blue scaling on the hindwing and lacks the bold yellow ground color and stripe pattern; spicebush caterpillars mimic curled leaf buds and have a different host preference (spicebush, sassafras).
Tiger swallowtail is yellow with black tiger stripes; spicebush swallowtail is mostly black with blue-green hindwing scaling.
⚖︎Side by side
| Eastern tiger swallowtail | Spicebush swallowtail | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Non-toxic | Non-toxic |
| Size | 80-140 mm wingspan | 8-10 cm wingspan |
| Colours | Yellow, Black, Blue (hindwing band), Orange (submarginal spot) | Black, Iridescent blue-green, Yellow-cream, Orange |
| Family | Papilionidae | Papilionidae |
| Habitat | Woodland edges, riversides, suburban gardens, fields and parks throughout eastern North America | Woodland edges, swamps, wetlands, gardens and other areas where host plants (spicebush, sassafras and laurels) 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 | Eastern North America: from southern Canada (Ontario, Quebec) south through much of the eastern United States to Florida and east Texas. |
| Active | Spring to early autumn (generally March-September; earlier in southern range); active by day, especially sunny periods | Active spring through fall; usually day-flying with peak activity in warm sunny weather. One to three broods per year depending on latitude. |
| Pest? | No | No |
🔍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 spicebush swallowtail
- Black swallowtail with a broad iridescent band across the hindwing (blue-green in males, bluer in females).
- Row of yellow or cream marginal spots on both forewing and hindwing, plus small orange submarginal spots on hindwing near the tail.
- Short swallowtail 'tails' on the hindwings.
- Caterpillars: early instars look like bird droppings; later instars are bright green with prominent false eye spots and a swollen thorax.
?Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an eastern tiger swallowtail and a spicebush swallowtail?
Usually darker overall with more green/blue scaling on the hindwing and lacks the bold yellow ground color and stripe pattern; spicebush caterpillars mimic curled leaf buds and have a different host preference (spicebush, sassafras). Tiger swallowtail is yellow with black tiger stripes; spicebush swallowtail is mostly black with blue-green hindwing scaling.
Is an eastern tiger swallowtail or a spicebush swallowtail more dangerous?
Eastern tiger swallowtail: Non-toxic. Spicebush swallowtail: Non-toxic. Not dangerous. Harmless to people.
Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.