State Butterfly
The state butterfly of Georgia is the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail. The scientific name for it is Papilio glaucus.
It was designated by the state legislature in 1988. One of the largest and most easily recognized butterflies in
North America, it is celebrated for its striking yellow wings marked with four black "tiger" stripes on each forewing
and a wingspan that can reach up to 5.5 inches. Interestingly, this species exhibits dimorphism in females; while many
are yellow like the males, some in the southern regions are almost entirely black to mimic the poisonous Pipevine Swallowtail,
a defense mechanism that deters predators. Unlike the migratory Monarch, the Tiger Swallowtail is a year-round resident
of Georgia, spending the winter in a chrysalis before emerging in early spring. They are commonly seen flitting through
woodlands and gardens across the state from March to November, relying on host plants like the tulip
poplar and wild black cherry to lay their eggs.
Other Butterflies
Other butterflies include,
- Monarch
- Gulf Fritillary
- Zebra Swallowtail
- Cloudless Sulphur