Western Tiger Swallowtails

Western tiger swallowtails (Papilo rutulus) can be seen enjoying the Annual honesties at this point along Sausal creek. These butterflies are a very bright yellow with black stripes on their bodies and on both sides of their wings, not to be confused with similar-appearing Yellow Swallowtails. They also have some orange and blue spots near their tails. Western tiger swallowtails have a wingspan range of 3-4 inches. When spotted along Sausal Creek you will notice they rarely stop to rest and if they do so, it is only for a short time because they are very active butterfly when the temperature is warm enough for them to fly.