Papilio canadensis

Photo Credit: D. Gordon E. Robertson via Wikimedia Commons
Papilio canadensis
Common Name: Canadian tiger swallowtail
Animal Guild: Insect
Class > Order > Family: Insecta > Lepidoptera > Papilionidae
Where is the species found?
States & Provinces
AB, AK, BC, CT, MA, MB, ME, MI, MN, MT, NB, ND, NE, NH, NL, NS, NT, NU, NY, ON, PA, PE, QC, RI, SD, SK, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY, YT
Which phenophases should I observe?
Do you see/hear...?
Activity Adults
One or more adults are seen or heard moving about or at rest.
More...

For abundance, enter the number of individual animals observed in this phenophase.
Adults feeding
One or more adults are seen feeding with their straw-like tongue (proboscis). If possible, record the substance and species on which they are feeding (for example, nectar, sap, dung, or moist soil) in the comments field. For Papilio canadensis, adults feed on the flower nectar of many different plant species.

For abundance, enter the number of individual animals observed in this phenophase.
Flower visitation
One or more individuals are seen visiting flowers or flying from flower to flower. If possible, record the name of the plant or describe it in the comments field.

For abundance, enter the number of individual animals observed in this phenophase.
Reproduction Mating
A male and female are seen coupled in a mating position, usually end to end. This can occur at rest or in flight.

For abundance, enter the number of individual animals observed in this phenophase.
Egg laying
A female is seen laying eggs on a plant or other surface. If possible, record the name of the plant or describe it in the comments field. For Papilio canadensis, eggs are typically deposited on the leaves of deciduous trees or shrubs.

For abundance, enter the number of individual animals observed in this phenophase.
Eggs
One or more eggs are seen on a plant or other surface. If possible, record the name of the plant or describe it in the comments field. For Papilio canadensis, the small, smooth, spherical, green eggs are typically found on the leaves of deciduous trees or shrubs.

For abundance, enter the number of individual animals observed in this phenophase.
Development Caterpillars
One or more caterpillars (larvae) are seen moving about or at rest. When seen on a plant, if possible, record the name of the plant or describe it in the comments field. For Papilio canadensis, young caterpillars are dark brown with large white patches and resemble bird droppings. Older caterpillars are green to brown and have an enlarged front end with two false yellow eye spots with bluish centers. They enclose themselves in a tent of folded leaves to feed.

For abundance, enter the number of individual animals observed in this phenophase.
Caterpillars feeding
One or more caterpillars are seen feeding. If possible, record the name of the species or substance being eaten or describe it in the comments field. For Papilio canadensis, caterpillars feed on the leaves of many different tree and shrub species.

For abundance, enter the number of individual animals observed in this phenophase.
Pupae
One or more pupae are seen in a cocoon or shell (puparium). For Papilio canadensis, pupae are brown or gray, somewhat resembling the broken-ended twig of a tree, and hang from plants or other outdoor surfaces. Do not include empty pupal shells after the adult has emerged from them.

For abundance, enter the number of individual animals observed in this phenophase.
Dead adults
One or more dead adults are seen.

For abundance, enter the number of individual animals observed in this phenophase.
Dead caterpillars
One or more dead caterpillars are seen.

For abundance, enter the number of individual animals observed in this phenophase.
Method Individuals at a feeding station
One or more individuals are seen visiting a feeder, feeding station, or food placed by a person.

For abundance, enter the number of individual animals observed in this phenophase.
Individuals in a net
One or more individuals are seen caught in a net.

For abundance, enter the number of individual animals observed in this phenophase.
Individuals in a trap
One or more individuals are seen caught in a trap.

For abundance, enter the number of individual animals observed in this phenophase.
What do these phenophases look like?

There is currently no photoguide available for this species. If you'd like help us create one, use the guidance document and species template provided here. Then send it via email to education@usanpn.org when it is complete.