Interactive Butterfly CD
Butterflies of the
Carolinas & Virginias

Appalachian Tiger Swallowtail,
Pterourus appalachiensis

New Appalachian Tiger Swallowtail
stock photos from NC

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

Similar Species:
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail

Habitat: Found only in the Appalachian Mountains during spring.

Abundance: Very common in the Appalachian Mountains in spring.

Flight Period: Flies from mid March until June in the Carolinas.

Comments: This newly described Tiger Swallowtail species has been over looked for a long time. Males usually fly at 2-3 meters and are huge compared to the smaller spring form Eastern Tiger Swallowtail. Females haven`t been found to have a dark form and they usually are treetop fliers and next to nothing is known about the larval food plant, the caterpillars reject normal eastern tiger food plants.

The above photo of a fresh male was taken on May 24, 2002. Ron Gatrelle captured and released it to show it to me.

click on image to see larger image

Male

This photo of a puddling worn male at right was taken on May 25, 2002 in Macon C., NC along Wayah Bald Road. As you can see it looks a lot like a Canadian Tiger Swallowtail, but it was huge compared to the Spicebush Swallowtail next to it in the puddle.

This photo is the same Appalachian Tiger Swallowtail as above from the other side its back lit a bit so you can see through the wings. Notice the outer margins of the forewing compared to the eastern tiger at right.

You can find more information and a paper on this new species at www.tils-ttr.org

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