Eastern tiger swallowtail vs Zebra swallowtail
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell an eastern tiger swallowtail from a zebra swallowtail, and whether either one bites or stings.
Eastern tiger swallowtail
Papilio glaucus
Zebra swallowtail
Protographium marcellus
≠The key differences
Eastern tiger swallowtail has thicker yellow ground color and black tiger stripes (yellow-dominant), while zebra swallowtail is white/cream with narrow black zebra stripes and distinct tails.
⚖︎Side by side
| Eastern tiger swallowtail | Zebra swallowtail | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Non-toxic | Non-toxic |
| Size | 80-140 mm wingspan | 6-10 cm wingspan |
| Colours | Yellow, Black, Blue (hindwing band), Orange (submarginal spot) | White, Black, Yellow/cream, Blue, Red-orange |
| Family | Papilionidae | Papilionidae |
| Habitat | Woodland edges, riversides, suburban gardens, fields and parks throughout eastern North America | Moist woodlands, riverbanks, forest edges, pawpaw thickets, and gardens in eastern North America |
| 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 Ontario (rare) through much of the eastern United States south to Florida and the Gulf states |
| Active | Spring to early autumn (generally March-September; earlier in southern range); active by day, especially sunny periods | Spring through summer; multiple broods in the south (March-September), fewer in the north (May-August); diurnal |
| 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 zebra swallowtail
- Bold black zebra-like stripes on creamy white wings with long tail extensions on the hindwings
- Red spots near the hindwing tail and a red stripe across the underside of the hindwing
- Caterpillars: green with fine yellow and black bands, found on pawpaw
- Habitat association with pawpaw plants (Asimina) is a strong clue
?Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an eastern tiger swallowtail and a zebra swallowtail?
Eastern tiger swallowtail has thicker yellow ground color and black tiger stripes (yellow-dominant), while zebra swallowtail is white/cream with narrow black zebra stripes and distinct tails.
Is an eastern tiger swallowtail or a zebra swallowtail more dangerous?
Eastern tiger swallowtail: Non-toxic. Zebra swallowtail: Non-toxic. Not dangerous. Adults and caterpillars are not dangerous 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.