The tiger swallowtail butterfly, Papilio glaucus linne, became the Virginia State insect in 1991. The yellow and black, tiger striped wings and dark tail identifies it and is one of the most common butterflies of the eastern United States.

All butterflies have four life stages consisting of the egg, the larva or caterpillar, the pupa or chrysalis, and the adult butterfly. The entire process from egg to caterpillar to butterfly takes an average of five to six weeks. Most butterflies live for two or three weeks.

A butterfly garden requires pesticide free yellow, mauve, or lavender, purple or red flowers with a strong scent in a setting with a wet area and rocks strategically placed for resting areas.

Stamps with tiger swallowtails were issued in 1987.