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Pterourus bjorkae

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New England tiger swallowtail
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Papilionidae
Genus: Pterourus
Species:
P. bjorkae
Binomial name
Pterourus bjorkae
Pavulaan, 2024
Synonyms
  • Papilio bjorkae

Pterourus bjorkae, known as the New England tiger swallowtail,[1] is a species of butterfly belonging to the swallowtail family (Papilionidae), discovered and described in 2024 by entomologist Harry Pavulaan.[2][3] The species name, bjorkae, honors Icelandic singer, songwriter, and environmentalist Björk, to recognize her artistic influence and her contributions to environmental awareness.[4][5]

Discovery

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The identification of Pterourus bjorkae emerged from studies of the Pterourus glaucus complex in southern New England, United States. Researchers observed distinct phenotypic differences in early spring populations, leading to the classification of this univoltine (single-brooded) taxon as a separate species.[2] However, another report considers these differences to be inconclusive, and notes that P. bjorkae may actually be conspecific with either P. glaucus or P. canadensis.[6]

The holotype (female) and allotype (male) specimens of Pterourus bjorkae are deposited at the McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity in Gainesville, Florida.[3]

Appearance

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Pterourus bjorkae is notable for its large size, with an average wingspan of approximately 8.5 centimeters, making it the largest subspecies within its complex. The butterfly exhibits a striking yellow coloration adorned with dark patterns and orange spots. Its caterpillar stage features a resemblance to a small snake, a form of mimicry that deters predators. Adults are commonly found in flower gardens.[2][4]

Habitat

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Pterourus bjorkae primarily inhabits deciduous forests in the eastern regions of North America. Its presence in these ecosystems contributes to the biodiversity and ecological complexity of the area.[2][5]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "New England Tiger Swallowtail (Pterourus bjorkae)". iNaturalist. Retrieved 2025-07-29.
  2. ^ a b c d Pavulaan, Harry (October 18, 2024). "Determination of a New Spring-flying Species of the Pterourus glaucus Complex (Papilionidae) in Southern New England". The Taxonomic Report of the International Lepidoptera Survey. 12 (1). ISSN 2643-4776.
  3. ^ a b Pavulaan, Harry; Arndt, Janice E. (November 2, 2024). Pavulaan, Harry (ed.). "Notes on North American Butterflies. 2". The Taxonomic Report of the International Lepidoptera Survey. 12 (2). ISSN 2643-4776.
  4. ^ a b Zubenko, Iryna (October 24, 2024). "Butterfly Species Named After Björk". Reykjavik Grapevine. Retrieved December 29, 2024.
  5. ^ a b Adam, Darren (October 24, 2024). "Butterfly for Björk". RUV.is. Retrieved December 29, 2024.
  6. ^ Deroller, Charles J.; Wang, Xi; Dupuis, Julian R.; Schmidt, B. Christian (2025). "A cryptic new species of tiger swallowtail (Lepidoptera, Papilionidae) from eastern North America". ZooKeys (1228): 69–97. Bibcode:2025ZooK.1228...69D. doi:10.3897/zookeys.1228.142202. PMC 11845981. PMID 39990191.
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