Yes, tigers are on patrol in Mitchell Canyon from early spring till late fall. But these creatures have no claws or teeth. They are tiger swallowtail butterflies that depend on flight and colorful camouflage to keep safe from harm. Four types (species) of swallowtails are found here, and of the four, the Western Tiger Swallowtail is the most frequent flyer. The swallowtail’s name comes from its hindwings (lower pair of wings) that are similar in shape to that of a bird, especially the swallow. Although only about four inches wide, it’s still one of North America’s largest butterflies.

Why do these flying tigers have stripes? How do its stripes, colors and other features help it escape enemies, especially hungry birds? Its colors are camouflage that help this butterfly hide in plain sight. The bright yellow and black wing patterns blend with the light and shadows of a woodland habitat, where it lives in the wild. The hindwing’s blue and orange dots are eyespots that fool predators into attacking the lower wings (thinking it’s the head) instead of the butterfly’s real head and body, which would inflict more serious harm. The swallowtail’s large wings and eyespots can also fool some predators into thinking it’s a larger, more dangerous creature and should be left alone. This way the butterfly lives to fly another day.

How do butterflies eat? Adult butterflies are herbivores, plant eaters same as gophers and deer, but they can’t chew. Instead of teeth, all butterflies have a long tongue, called a proboscis. A proboscis works like a straw to sip sugar-rich nectar from flowers, a butterfly’s main energy source. Western Tiger Swallowtails also sip from damp places like mud puddles to gather important minerals needed for overall health.

Download this article