Description
The Canadian Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio canadensis) is a large, striking butterfly with yellow wings marked by bold black tiger stripes and blue and orange spots on the hindwings, commonly found in forests, meadows, and along streams across Canada and the northern United States.
Range
Northern half of the state. In the central part of the state, these two species may hybridize making ID tough.
Similar Species
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail is very similar. Canadian has a yellow band on the hindwing below that is continuous, and in Eastern that band is made up of spots. In addition, the black line closest to the body on the hindwing below on the Canadian is thicker.
Host Plants
Aspens (Populus tremuloides, Populus grandidentata), Birches (Betula spp.), Willows (Salix spp.), Cherries (Prunus spp.)
Flight
Late May and June