The yellow butterfly gives other insects a masterclass in adaptation, camouflage and transformation. One yellow butterfly in particular stands out: the eastern tiger swallowtail.

With its black stripes and wide wingspan, the eastern tiger swallowtail ( Papilio glaucus ) is one of the most easily recognized butterflies in the eastern United States. It's commonly found from southern Florida to the Canadian border, fluttering through woodlands, gardens and meadows.

Males flash bold black stripes on their yellow forewings, while females come in both yellow and dark brown forms, possibly mimicking poisonous species to fool predators.

What Makes the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail So Distinctive?

This large yellow butterfly boasts a wingspan ranging from 3.1 to 5.5 in (7.9 to 14 cm). Its upper

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