Tiger swallowtail caterpillars are the larval stage of the beautiful tiger swallowtail butterfly. You might be wondering if these caterpillars are poisonous. The simple answer is no, tiger swallowtail caterpillars are not poisonous. However, they do have defense mechanisms to ward off predators.
One of the ways they protect themselves is by resembling bird droppings. This clever camouflage allows them to avoid becoming a meal for hungry predators. Additionally, when threatened, they can rear up and display a brightly colored, forked gland called the osmeterium. The osmeterium releases a foul-smelling chemical, deterring potential attackers.
Now that you know tiger swallowtail caterpillars aren’t poisonous, you can appreciate their unique adaptations and their contribution to the life cycle of the stunning tiger swallowtail butterfly.
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Identifying the Tiger Swallowtail Caterpillar
The tiger swallowtail caterpillar can be easily identified by its distinct appearance. It is predominantly black and yellow, making it quite distinguishable from other caterpillars. Here are some features to help you recognize it:
- Black body with yellow markings
- Size varies, but it can grow up to 2 inches in length
When observing a tiger swallowtail caterpillar, you may notice its bright and contrasting colors. These caterpillars sport a combination of black and yellow stripes, which help them blend into their surroundings and avoid predators.
Keep in mind that the size of a tiger swallowtail caterpillar will vary as it grows. The younger ones may be smaller, but when fully grown, they can reach up to 2 inches in length. The distinct appearance of the tiger swallowtail caterpillar makes it easy for you to spot and appreciate its unique beauty.
Behavior and Defense Mechanisms
The tiger swallowtail caterpillar is known for its unique behavior and defense mechanisms. When you observe these creatures, you might notice how they often rely on their appearance as a primary mode of defense.
The caterpillar’s body features false eyes and colorful markings that make it look more intimidating to potential predators. In particular, these markings often resemble the eyes of a larger animal, deterring predators who might otherwise see the caterpillar as an easy meal.
Another defense mechanism employed by the tiger swallowtail caterpillar is its ability to produce a foul odor from specialized glands called osmeterium. When threatened, the caterpillar will extend these glands and release the unpleasant smell, repelling potential predators and keeping itself safe. You can learn more about this defense mechanism in this video about the black swallowtail caterpillar’s defense mechanism.
Here are a few key features of the tiger swallowtail caterpillar’s defense mechanisms:
- False eyes for intimidation
- Colorful markings that mimic larger animals
- Osmeterium glands that release a foul odor
These defense mechanisms, coupled with the caterpillar’s behavior of staying hidden and feeding on a variety of host plants, make the tiger swallowtail caterpillar a fascinating subject, illustrating the incredible adaptability of nature. Remember to always appreciate these tiny creatures from a distance, as their mechanisms are meant to help them survive in the wild.
Habitat and Distribution
The tiger swallowtail caterpillar can be found in various habitats across North America. You’ll mostly find them in the United States, Canada, and even parts of Mexico. They are quite adaptable, making their homes in regions such as woodlands, mountains, and wetlands.
For example, in woodlands, you may find these caterpillars on trees like aspens, birches, and willows, as mentioned on the Field Station website. They have a preference for host plants within the carrot family, which offer abundant food sources.
Comparing tiger swallowtail caterpillars to other species, they are quite flexible in their habitat preferences. In mountainous regions, you might see them at higher elevations where their host plants thrive. Wetlands also provide suitable habitats, thanks to an abundance of trees and vegetation.
To summarize the key habitats and distribution for the tiger swallowtail caterpillar:
- Habitat: Woodlands, mountains, and wetlands
- Range: United States, Canada, and parts of Mexico
- Host plants: Aspens, birches, willows, and plants in the carrot family
Remember to consider these factors when exploring North America and keep an eye out for these fascinating creatures in their natural environments.
Life Cycle of the Tiger Swallowtail Caterpillar
Tiger Swallowtail caterpillars go through an incredible transformation during their life cycle. Let’s take a brief look at each stage of their development:
Eggs: Female Tiger Swallowtails start by laying their eggs on the host plant, typically on the underside of leaves. These tiny, spherical eggs are pale green and will hatch in about 4-10 days.
Larva: Upon hatching, the caterpillars begin feeding on the leaves of their host plant. As they grow and molt, their appearance changes. Younger caterpillars resemble bird droppings, while older ones have green or brown bodies with blue eyespots. The caterpillar stage lasts for about 3-4 weeks. During this time, they feed voraciously to store enough energy for the next stage.
Pupa: Once they have reached their full size, the caterpillars form a chrysalis, entering the pupal stage. The chrysalis is typically brown or green, helping it blend in with the surrounding foliage. This stage lasts about 10-20 days, during which the caterpillar undergoes a remarkable transformation.
Adult Butterfly: Finally, the adult Tiger Swallowtail butterfly emerges from the chrysalis. These magnificent butterflies have broad, colorful wings with a wingspan of 3-6 inches. You can distinguish males from females by the wing coloration: males have yellow wings with black stripes, whereas females have either yellow or a dark blue-green, almost black, coloration.
The life cycle of the Tiger Swallowtail caterpillar generally occurs in the spring and fall. It’s important to remember that while the caterpillars can cause minor damage to host plants, they are not poisonous or harmful to humans. Enjoy observing these creatures as they grow and transform into beautiful butterflies!
Diet and Host Plants
The diet of tiger swallowtail caterpillars mainly consists of leaves from various host plants. Some examples include cherry, cottonwood, aspen, and willow trees. As caterpillars, they predominantly feed on leaves, but as adult butterflies, they shift their diet to nectar from flowers.
When it comes to host plants, tiger swallowtails are known for their versatility. Some common host plants they eat from are:
- Cherry
- Cottonwood
- Aspen
- Willow
While feeding on leaves, tiger swallowtail caterpillars may also occasionally ingest small amounts of nearby vegetation, such as grass. However, it is important to note that these caterpillars are not harmful to the plants per se.
In adult form, tiger swallowtails feed on nectar from flowers in addition to the leaves they already consume. This varied diet allows them to thrive in different environments and adapt to changes in their habitat.
Remember to be cautious around tiger swallowtail caterpillars, as some people may mistakenly assume they are poisonous due to their bright color patterns. However, rest assured that they are harmless to humans and livestock. By understanding their diet and host plants, you can appreciate these beautiful creatures even more.
Interaction with Other Species
Tiger swallowtail caterpillars interact with several species in their ecosystem, which affects their survival rate and growth. Let’s take a brief look at these interactions.
Predators: Birds are the main predators of tiger swallowtail caterpillars1. Many birds, such as warblers and chickadees, feed on caterpillars as an important source of nutrition. Additionally, some snake species also prey on caterpillars, but these instances are relatively rare.
Ants: Ants can be both beneficial and harmful to tiger swallowtail caterpillars. In some cases, ants protect caterpillars from predators like birds2. However, ants may also attack tiger swallowtail caterpillars if they are seen as a source of food.
Here’s a table comparing the roles of some of the species in the tiger swallowtail caterpillar’s life:
| Species | Role | Example Interaction |
|---|---|---|
| Birds | Predators | Warblers feeding on caterpillars |
| Ants | Protectors/Attackers | Ants protecting or attacking caterpillars |
| Snakes | Rare Predators | Snakes occasionally preying on caterpillars |
Pests: While it’s true that tiger swallowtail caterpillars can potentially defoliate host plants, they are not typically considered major pests.
In conclusion, your awareness of these interactions can help you better understand the complex relationships within the ecosystem that influence the life of the tiger swallowtail caterpillar.
- Eastern Tiger Swallowtail – US Forest Service
- Caterpillar and Moth Bites – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
Potential Harm to Humans
Tiger swallowtail caterpillars might seem harmless to you, but it’s crucial to remember that they can pose certain risks. Specifically, these caterpillars don’t have a venomous sting like some other species; however, they do possess toxins in their bodies.
As a result, if you accidentally touch or handle a tiger swallowtail caterpillar, you might experience skin irritation. Generally, symptoms include itching and redness. To help alleviate the discomfort, make sure to wash the affected area with soap and water immediately.
While tiger swallowtail caterpillars are not considered dangerous, it’s always a good idea to be cautious when encountering them. To avoid any potential harm, make sure you admire these fascinating creatures from a safe distance.
Conserving the Tiger Swallowtail Caterpillar
Tiger Swallowtail caterpillars are essential to the lifecycles of various swallowtail butterfly species, such as the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Pipevine Swallowtail, Black Swallowtail, Spicebush Swallowtail, and Western Tiger Swallowtail. This section will guide you on how to conserve the caterpillars and support their role in sustaining butterfly populations.
In order to conserve Tiger Swallowtails, follow these steps:
- Plant host plants: Swallowtails caterpillars need specific plants to feed on. Your garden can include trees like aspens, birches, and willows which are known as food plants for the Canadian Swallowtail.
- Avoid pesticides: Limit the use of harmful chemicals in your garden. These substances may threaten the survival of swallowtail caterpillars and other beneficial insects.
- Create a diverse habitat: Including a variety of flowering plants and trees in your garden can attract different species of butterflies and boost biodiversity.
Tiger Swallowtails differ from other species like the Monarch Butterfly. Here’s a comparison table:
| Feature | Tiger Swallowtails | Monarch Butterfly |
|---|---|---|
| Host Plants | Aspens, Birches, Willows | Milkweed |
| Caterpillar Appearance | Bright green or brown | Black, yellow, and white stripes |
By maintaining a butterfly-friendly garden for Tiger Swallowtail caterpillars, you contribute to the conservation of these magnificent creatures and help maintain their vibrancy and importance within the ecosystem.
Myths and Misconceptions
Contrary to popular belief, tiger swallowtail caterpillars are not poisonous. While there are other species of caterpillars that are venomous, such as the pipevine swallowtail caterpillar, saddleback caterpillar, and io moth caterpillar, the tiger swallowtail caterpillar is harmless to humans and animals. Let’s look at some of the common myths and misconceptions surrounding these fascinating creatures.
One myth is that birds avoid eating tiger swallowtail caterpillars due to their bright colors and patterns. While it’s true that certain colors in nature tend to indicate poison or danger, this doesn’t apply to all organisms. Tiger swallowtail caterpillars have unique features, like false eyes and bird dropping-like patterns, which help them blend into their environment and discourage predators like birds. But these adaptations are all about camouflage and deterrence, not toxicity.
Comparison Table
| Caterpillar Type | Poisonous to Humans? | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Tiger Swallowtail Caterpillar | No | False eyes, bird dropping-like patterns |
| Pipevine Swallowtail Caterpillar | Yes | Bright colors, dark markings |
| Saddleback Caterpillar | Yes | Stinging spines, bright colors |
| Io Moth Caterpillar | Yes | Stinging spines, bright colors |
Remember that not all bright and flashy caterpillars are dangerous. When you encounter a tiger swallowtail caterpillar, appreciate its fascinating characteristics, but know they won’t harm you or your loved ones. Remember to always exercise caution around unfamiliar creatures, and if you’re unsure, it’s best to keep a safe distance.
78 Comments.
Hi my name is Lydia. I am from Lockhart Texas and I have found a caterpillar that looks almost identical to the one that you found. the fork tongue aka snake tongue and the big eyes.
My mother discovered our dog was playing with what looked like mulch at first, come to find out it was a brown caterpillar. Later, we learned that it was a tiger swallowtail caterpillar. My cousin and I decided to keep it.
We put it in a big jar with some grass, leaves, twigs and a drop of water. We learned how to take care of him until he turns into a beautiful tiger swallowtail butterfly.
Finally, my question was how long does the caterpillar stage take? He/she looks like it is a full grown caterpillar. And we want to know when it will go into it’s chrysalis- then turn into a butterfly?
There is no way of telling how soon the caterpillar will form a chrysalis, but it will probably be in the chrysalis stage for several weeks.
My mother discovered our dog was playing with what looked like mulch at first, come to find out it was a brown caterpillar. Later, we learned that it was a tiger swallowtail caterpillar. My cousin and I decided to keep it.
We put it in a big jar with some grass, leaves, twigs and a drop of water. We learned how to take care of him until he turns into a beautiful tiger swallowtail butterfly.
Finally, my question was how long does the caterpillar stage take? He/she looks like it is a full grown caterpillar. And we want to know when it will go into it’s chrysalis- then turn into a butterfly?
FROUND IN BACK YARD WHAT DOES IT EAT BRIGHT GREEN BIG HEAD LITTLE EYES ABOUT ONE AND HALF INCH LONG TIGER SWALLOWTAIL CATERPILLAR
Hi!
I just wanted to thank you for posting this information! My students and I just found this caterpillar at recess in Mexico City, and we went on an info hunt to find out what it was! We live very close to Chapultepec Park, and your picture and behavior descriptions really helped us be sure we knew what we found!
Best,
Miss Ellie’s 4G Class!
I live in Saint Louis, Missouri and I found the exact same caterpillar in a park in this area. It swayed back and forth like a snake, I thought it was incredibly interesting.
I have a picture of the one I found in my yard yesterday. Rochester, NY
I found one on my sidewalk in Clayton, NY on 9/1/14
Found this same ill’ guy on my front door in Coeur d Alene, Idaho. Never seen here before in our area…
I seen one in Cades Cove at the campground.
I found this same caterpillar ( tiger swallowtail ) in the Brown stage, on my
deck. I live in the southern most part of Alabama, on the coast. My
Question.. is it odd to flnd this caterpillar this far south?? I have never
seen one before !
Thank you James Gulf Shores, Alabama
I found this same caterpillar ( tiger swallowtail ) in the Brown stage, on my
deck. I live in the southern most part of Alabama, on the coast. My
Question.. is it odd to flnd this caterpillar this far south?? I have never
seen one before !
Thank you James Gulf Shores, Alabama
Not at all odd.
Hello all,
My daughters found one about a month ago on our patio! In Camp Verde Arizona! We promptly put it into a big glass vase and put dirt, sticks and a bunch of home grown dill with him and he is a cocoon now! Now we just have to wait until may or June next year for it to come out! 😉 we will let y’all know how it goes!
Found one in the park here in Bronx, NY. My kids and I were so fascinated! Every time we attempted to touch it, it swayed back and forth as if to say “No”, so needless to say we let it go on its merry way. Nature is so wonderful 🙂
Found one in parsons ks. What does it turn into
Here is an image of an adult Tiger Swallowtail.
found one in Albuquerque NM today.
I found one on a peach tree. I live in Marion Sc
Cherry is a known food plant for Tiger Swallowtails, and peach is the same genus, Prunus, so this makes sense.
I was on my porch this morning and i looked down and one was staring at me small eyes and blue dots on the head and has a tongue as well i live in Vancouver Washington. I’ve never seen one before today.
The “tongue” is an osmeterium, an organ that gives off a scent that some predators find repulsive.
Saw one identical to the photo in the Okanagan Lake Provincial Park (near Peachland,BC,Canada). It did the ‘snake sway’ that another cocomment mentioned. So cool!
Finally found out what it was, thanks to this site.
Saw one identical to the photo in the Okanagan Lake Provincial Park (near Peachland,BC,Canada). It did the ‘snake sway’ that another cocomment mentioned. So cool!
Finally found out what it was, thanks to this site.
Found one in my driveway this morning and it was bobbing back and fourth like it was dancing and big yellow eyes and forked tongue . Zombie looking lol !
Found a bright red tiger swallow butterfly caterpillar (thanks for the Id on your site) trucking down our newly paved bike path today. Kind of late for an emergent isn’t it? It could snow here any day!
Where is here?
Found one yesterday across from Buttermilk ski area in aspen
I found one on my porch today while taking my dog out. He didn’t sway back and forth nor did he have a forked tongue unless he just didn’t stick it out but he looks identical to the pictures. I live in Woodburn Indiana and I’m a veterinary technician and I have never seen one. I thought he was cool looking because it looked like he was standing on all fours like a dog or cat. Is this the same kind of caterpillar?
We cannot say for certain without an image.
How do I upload pic for I’d?
I think I may have seen one today. In Yorktown VA. How can I send a pic? I posted the picture on Facebook with the caption “I found a real life Pokémon today. “
I found on here in Anchorage AK
Just found one in Chapel Hill, NC
Just found one in North Idaho. When I picked him up no scent or forked tongue but super cute. Crawled around on me for a few before I let him go on another plant in yard as he was on a hose and we didn’t want to hurt him. What do they pupae into!
Just found one ! I’ve never seen something like that before, got my attention the “eyes” and the strings coming out of his mouth with that odor. Minneapolis, Minnesota.
I live on in Soledad California and found one that matches the picture. My 4 year old son and I are always looking for new creatures and had ever seen anything like it.
I live in Cabot Arkansas. I found one in bag of mulch when I emptied it out.Kept it as none of us had ever seen one before. Kept in in plastic soda bottle then got clear plastic container and put dirt,potting soil and mulch,along with branch for it to climb.This morning it was not moving much and was much smaller. When I emptied it into new home it had some web like ilaments sticking to bottle. Going to try to let it develop in house. Put some tomato leaves in container for it to eat.Do I need to sprinkle water in there?
It sounds like it is getting ready to transform into a chrysalis. Don’t let it desiccate, but do not let it get too damp either.
My son found one we are in Springfield Mo , our little guy also stood up (kind of like a cobra) and we are in love. lol he is the coolest looking friend we’ve made in while. We already have found several cocoons this year so we are making him a cozy home and we’re gonna wait him out. I bet he’ll (or she’ll) be beautiful!!!! he’s turning brown so he’s almost ready. In case you couldn’t tell we are very much excited and will keep you posted…..
Just found one in my yard today, in West Georgia, just south of Atlanta. First time I have ever seen one.
Just found one in Santa Cruz, CA. It swayed back and forth and, when I attempted to move it to a safe place, it stuck this ‘forked tongue’ out at me. Needless to say, I was a little surprised. Anyway, we do have Swallowtails out here but I’m not sure they’re “Eastern Swallowtails”. Now we will have to make sure it’s safe and secure.
The Western Tiger Swallowtail, the Two-Tailed Swallowtail and the Pale Swallowtail all have similar looking caterpillars and they are found in California.
I think I found one of those catapillers in Pocatello idaho. Can that be possible?
The Western Tiger Swallowtail, which has a very similar looking caterpillar, is found in Idaho, based on BugGuide data.
I live in Fairbanks Alaska and found one on my lawn today. 8/24/17. I have never seen anything like this in Alaska.
He was the brownish color, not sure if he is suppose to be in alaska but this year we have major bitch tree and wiliows effected by insects and disease.
According to BugGuide, the range of the Canadian Tiger Swallowtail is: “northern US, Alaska, and every province and territory of Canada, north to the tundra.”
I live in Fairbanks Alaska and found one on my lawn today. 8/24/17. I have never seen anything like this in Alaska.
He was the brownish color, not sure if he is suppose to be in alaska but this year we have major bitch tree and wiliows effected by insects and disease.
My mother found one here in Havre, Mt and it freaked het out, she though it was an alien. Had me worried for a sec, I googled it n found this an this is exactly what it looked like.
I saw one of these, red with a black stripe and blue dots. I live in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Recently there have been a lot of insects around here that our harsh climate doesn’t usually allow. It’s been interesting to watch them, but I feel bad that they are so far from home.
Western Tiger Swallowtail is found in Wyoming based on BugGuide data.
Found one in my driveway. Bloomington Indiana.
We found one on our porch yesterday morning, Lafayette, IN.. Didn’t know what it was. Picked it up to inspect and he stuck his “tongue” out. Very interesting little creature.
I found one in Warrenton GA. It was FabuLes!
I just found one of these interesting little creatures in my azalea flower bed. I am tempted to go back out and capture it so my grandsons can watch the process of it turning into a butterfly. My questions are, “How cruel is this and what would I need to do?”
You did not provide us with a location of the sighting. There are many different species of Tiger Swallowtails in North America, so the individual you found will vary with your location, and different species have different food plant requirements. The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Papilio glaucus, has a range map on BugGuide based on data, and according to BugGuide: “Caterpillars feed on Sweet Bay (Magnolia virginiana), Black Cherry (Prunus serotina), Swamp Bay (Persea palustris) and Tuliptree (Liriodendron tulipifera). … Fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus) is also a host for Papilio glaucus.” We cannot recall reading of any species of Tiger Swallowtail feeding on Azalea, but the Azalea Sphinx, pictured on Sphingidae of the Americas, does feed on azalea. Are you able to submit an image of the caterpillar you observed? If yes, please submit using the Ask What’s That Bug? link on our site.
I found one in Shelton WA
I just found one in Spanaway, Wa it seemed to be very curious of me getting up on its rear end swaying around like a snake. I picked it up with a stick and put it out in the bushes since it was on my back porch
I live in Forsyth county Ga and found one in my yard today
So many interesting little things in this world of ours. I must have a look through this site.
We found one in Idaho Falls Idaho today! Aug 23rd!
St. Louis, MO. He/she was sitting perfectly still on some wood that had fresh stain. Maybe trying to catch a buzz? Left an interesting crawl pattern on the wood. Hope it doesn’t cause harm
I found the same bug in Belleville Illinois on my sisters porch
My grandchildren and I, found this strange looking caterpillar headed towards the flower garden…Fist time seeing one here in North Carolina.
Had one on my front porch October 1st, 2021 I got a video of it going back and forth and a video of it crawling, intriguing little caterpillars
I had one on our porch yesterday here in El Dorado, KS. I wasn’t sure what it was and we didn’t want our puppy to get ahold of it thinking it might’ve been poisonous. I took it to our neighbors wooden fence so it could climb up. I did manage to get some pictures. It seemed like a very fascinating creature, but I did not want a risk nor did I have the time to research what is was before our dog had to go out ):
I have seen that same caterpillar while out walking with my daughter, dead on the side of the road.
I Found one today on my lilac tree! here in Fitchburg,Massachusetts. I didn’t know what type of caterpillar this was and now I know! Cool!
So I found one a swallowtail caterpillar on the ground. Where would be a safe place to move it too?
I live in Salisbury, NC and my grandson found one in the backyard today! We had no idea what in the world it was so I started researching on the internet and ended up hear! He is so cute, just curious does it turn into a butterfly?
Hi
My son and I just found one in our garden. We are in Nanaimo, BC, (on Vancouver Island), Canada.
We are not sure if it it the Western, Eastern, or Canadian Swallowtail Caterpillar, but it is definitely one of them. It is brown, so it must be getting ready to go into its chrysalis.
Hello. Just found one in Wichita,KS
I found this Milton,ont canada
A photo was posted of one found on a golf course in Yukon Territory, Canada. I’m assuming that’s very far north for it.
I think I seen that today to going up to get coffee is it safe?If it is I wanted to protect it to it was on the sidewalk where people walk someone could of stepped on it and killed it.I feel a new creature needs to live.
I found one of these (western species probably, as I am in Washington State) a couple days ago. It was a brownish dark green at the time. I scooped it off of the sidewalk so it wouldn’t get stepped on and brought it in to ID it. During this time, it turned fully brown, was not interested in eating, and is now laying on a paper towel at the bottom of a plastic container, presumably preparing to pupate (it has also developed a mottled pattern in the brown). It is still alive, but not doing much other than pulsing it’s back end. Also, oddly, it’s false “tongue” (osmeterium) is still out (It wasn’t when I first found it, although the caterpillar did rear up and sway from side to side, pretending to be a snake…just…without the “tongue”. It put that out sometime that night, and hasn’t retracted it.) What I want to know is this: how long does the forming of the chrysalis take, and can they form it with the osmeterium still out? I hope I didn’t disrupt the process or injure the caterpillar somehow…
Update: It died several days later…partway into pupating. :'(