Next time you’re outside, take a look at the first butterfly you see – chances are high that it’s the North Carolina state butterfly. The eastern tiger swallowtail, scientifically known as Papilio glaucus, was designated a North Carolina state butterfly in June 2012. The butterfly is native to North America, and one of the most common and easily recognized species found in the eastern U.S.
It is widely accepted that the eastern tiger swallowtail was the first North American species of butterfly to have been illustrated. John White, an artist and cartographer who was governor of the Roanoke Island colony (which became known as the Lost Colony), first drew the species in 1587 during an expedition for Sir Walter Raleigh in Virginia.
How to Identify the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
These butterflies are usually quite easy to identify thanks to their distinctive colors. The male is usually yellow with four black stripes on each wing. Females are generally yellow or black. You will find them from spring to fall, and generally around forest edges, in open fields, in gardens, or alongside roads. They usually hang out around the treetops, but like to drink from puddles on the ground (sometimes in large groups or groups). They like forests, flat grassy areas, streams, and gardens, but will also roam city parks and courtyards.
When it comes to food, they prefer nectar from hardy plants that have bright red or pink flowers. You will often find a common butterfly activity known as puddles, where a group will gather in mud, wet gravel, or rain puddles. They are taking in and absorbing amino acids from these sources, which helps with their reproductive process. If you see a group of puddles, it is most likely a group of very young males. Males generally only accumulate in their first few days, and females do not group.
North Carolina is in good company with this selection of this as their butterfly, as the states of Alabama, Delaware, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia have also chosen the eastern tiger swallowtail as their official state butterfly (or as your official state bug). ) North Carolina has a separate state insect: the common bee.
These butterflies are not harmful, but the female of this species will sometimes give the impression that it is to predators by mimicking the warning signs of the highly poisonous Pipevine swallowtail butterfly.
Check out the rest of North Carolina’s state symbols, including the official bird, fish, drink, dance, and more.
