Eastern Tiger Swallowtail - Papilio glaucus

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… David J. Ferguson, 30 September, 2013 - 5:28pm

Eastern Tiger

Yes Ptelea trifoliata is a great host plant for Eastern Tigers but they don't often select it. In at least 10 years of growing it in my yard I've only seen it used once but the caterpillars grew large and healthy on it.

… Dave Rogers, 30 September, 2013 - 10:25am

Thanks,

Dave, I appreciate that info. Although E Tiger butterflies seem to be more abundant in our small park, I see more of the Giant cats. I was pleased to see this one because it is beside a paved path, and I can keep a check on it easily.

… Nancy Kent, 30 September, 2013 - 12:58pm

Host plants

Nancy in my yard in Nebraska Giants prefer Prickly ash (Zanthoxylum americanum) and Rue (Ruta graveolens) to the Wafer ash. They have used it though. When I lived in Oklahoma the Giants preferred the Wafer ash to the Prickly ash so much so that I could dig up and get rid of the Prickly ash. Never found a Tiger cat on the Wafer Ash until 2011 here in Nebraska. Only the one year but in fairness a buck tore up my bush that fall and then 2012 was a drought and 2013 is the 'Year of almost no butterflies'. Plant has recovered so maybe next year. One of my passions is raising swallowtail cats. Here is a link to my flickr caterpillar set with host plant & other information (mostly swallowtails). Tigers are my favorites.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/drogerscollections/sets/72157622365999729/

… Dave Rogers, 30 September, 2013 - 4:10pm

Wow!

What impressive photos, Dave! Thanks so much for sharing.
I love all critters. The Giants and Tigers were especially lovely here in Radford this summer. We had more rain than usual, and they loved puddling. I could get close enough for some good pics.

… Nancy Kent, 30 September, 2013 - 4:19pm

Eastern Tiger

They feed on Hoptree. The webbing is commonly used by this species and the Spicebush (P. Troilus), on their 'home' leaf. They travel to other leaves to feed. Sometimes after feeding on other leaves they will snip the leaf off at the stem.

… Lee Penner, 28 September, 2013 - 2:42pm

Thanks,

Lee, I appreciate that confirmation and info.
Enjoyed reading your bio.Your retirement boredom cure does sound like fun! I took on our small nature park as my retirement project and am thoroughly addicted to it now. Bug Guide has been a great resource for me.

… Nancy Kent, 28 September, 2013 - 4:32pm