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Friday, June 12, 2009

Canadian Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio canadensis)

Canadian Tiger Swallowtail
Canadian Tiger Swallowtail by VicSedford

The Canadian Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio canadensis) is a species of the Papilionidae family. It was once classified as a subspecies of Papilio glaucus.

p canadensis
Canadian Tiger Swallowtail by outdoors2magic

Adult

The wingspan of this particular species is 67 to 80 mm long. There are two adult morphs yellow and black, although the black form is considered quite rare. This species is very similar to the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail and has a noticeably smaller wingspan. Unlike the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail the yellow marginal band is continuous. The hindwing has many orange scales, on both morphs. This species has also been known to be hybridized with both the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail and Western Tiger Swallowtail even if this is extremely rare.

Caterpillar

A large green caterpillar with an enlarged head. It has 4 yellow dots and 2 false eyes with bluish centers. A profile view of this caterpillar is similar with that of a snake-like figure. The immature larvae are brown and white to mimic bird droppings, this mimicry makes it unappealing to predators.

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