What is the symbiotic of eastern tiger swallowtail?

Answer 1

The eastern tiger swallowtail butterfly engages in mutualistic symbiosis with various plants, particularly those in the genus Prunus, such as cherry and willow. The adult butterflies rely on these plants for nectar, while the larvae, or caterpillars, feed on the leaves. This relationship benefits the butterflies by providing them with food sources for both the adult and larval stages, while the plants benefit from pollination when the butterflies visit flowers. Additionally, the presence of the caterpillars can deter some predators, as their coloration mimics that of toxic species.