08/20/2026
The Canadian tiger swallowtail, a lot of name for a small creature, but there’s a lot in the name. This butterfly’s primary habitat spans across much of Canada. It has dark stripes (like a tiger) and hindwings shaped like some swallow’s tail feathers. They’re important pollinators and far be it for us to drag them in the mud. But if you’re looking for swallowtails, you may actually find them in the mud. Their primary food source is nectar from native flowers, but they’re known to drink muddy, mineral-rich water. And like most pollinators, despite their tiny size, their impact is very important.
They live out their entire lifecycle locally. Unlike the well-known Monarch butterflies, the Canadian tiger swallowtails do not migrate. While the adult butterflies die off, their caterpillar children continue to gorge on leaves until they reach full size and find a secure spot to transform into a chrysalis. They’ll remain “sleeping” for nearly 9 or 10 months, surviving winter thanks to their internal antifreeze and emerging as butterflies next spring.
Let us know what pollinators you’re seeing in the parks this summer. Whether you’re travelling far or staying close to home, enjoy each summer moment. No matter how small, they’re also important.
📸 Ashgan Houston
