Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of Swallowtail butterfly wing scales (Papilio rutulus). The western tiger swallowtail (Papilio rutulus) is a common swallowtail butterfly in the family Papilionidae. It is prominent in western North America and seen in urban parks, gardens, rural woodlands and riparian areas. It is a large and brightly colored butterfly that is very active. The adult females lay up to a hundred eggs in total. The males often gather, along with other species of swallowtail, at pools and along streams and rivers. They drink from the shallow water and mud obtaining minerals and water. Magnification: x115 when shortest axis printed at 25 millimetres.