Western Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio rutulus) is in the Swallowtails and Parnassians family (Papilionidae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 27,907 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in June.
Seasonal pattern in the national data: summer visitor / breeder. Counts also reflect when people are out photographing, so compare months within a state rather than across states.
When to photograph Western Tiger Swallowtail: observations by month (U.S.)
About Western Tiger Swallowtail
Papilio rutulus, the western tiger swallowtail, is a common swallowtail butterfly of western North America, frequently seen in urban parks and gardens, as well as in rural woodlands and riparian areas. It is a member of the Papilio genus, of which Papilio appalachiensis and Papilio xuthus are also members. It is a large, brightly colored and active butterfly, rarely seen at rest; its wingspan is 7 to 10 cm (3 to 4 in), and its wings are yellow...From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Western Tiger Swallowtail by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 16,888 | June | Apr–Aug |
| Washington | 3,195 | June | Jun–Jul |
| Oregon | 2,816 | July | Jun–Jul |
| Colorado | 1,531 | June | Jun–Jul |
| Idaho | 928 | June | Jun–Jul |
| Utah | 682 | June | Jun–Jul |
| New Mexico | 504 | June | Jun–Jul |
| Nevada | 453 | June | Jun–Jul |
| Arizona | 373 | June | Jun–Jun |
| Montana | 275 | June | Jun–Jul |
| Wyoming | 254 | June | Jun–Jul |
| South Dakota | 8 | July | Jul–Jul |
Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.
Related butterflies (Swallowtails and Parnassians)
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
Pipevine Swallowtail
Black Swallowtail
Spicebush Swallowtail
Eastern Giant Swallowtail
Zebra Swallowtail
Anise Swallowtail
Western Giant Swallowtail
Photography tips
- Butterflies are sluggish on cool mornings — the best time for close approaches.
- Keep the sensor parallel to the wings for edge-to-edge sharpness.
- Nectar plants in bloom are reliable places to wait.
FAQ
When is the best time to photograph Western Tiger Swallowtail?
Nationally, June has the most observations, with the main season from May to August.
Where is Western Tiger Swallowtail most often seen?
The most observations come from California, Washington, Oregon.