The Appalachian tiger swallowtail shares a delayed flight pattern and many other hybrid-like traits with P. glaucus and P. canadensis despite its genetic isolation. Its flight period is in May. Some individuals take flight during late June, while others fly from May to early June. Populations of this species make annual migrations of over . Papilio appalachiensis usually has a singular flight period from spring to early summer and emerges later than P. glaucus. The Appalachian tiger swallowtail tends to fly directly up the western side of Spruce Knob towards the summit against strong westerly winds. The summit contains substantial vegetation within protected nooks where the adult butterflies rest and obtain nectar from various plants.