Spicebush Swallowtail Butterfly (Papilio troilus)
This beautiful black bodied swallowtail is black with shiny blue or green wings. It has blue between two rows of orange spots on the underside of the hind wings and the colors on the upper side of the hind wings have one row of white spots.
The caterpillars look like small snakes, having large eyespots; they hide in folded leaves during the day and come out to feed in the evenings. The chrysalis is either brown or green, resembling the stem to which it is attached. These butterflies are a pleasure to watch and a welcome visitor to any garden.
See how we found a Spicebush Swallowtail Caterpillar on its host plant.
Spicebush Swallowtail Butterfly Life Cycle
White Egg
Copyright: Regina Cutter Edwards
Butterfly Egg and Caterpillar Compared to Penny
Copyright: Fred Miller
Small Caterpillar Hiding in Leaf
Copyright: Fred Miller
Brown Early Instar Caterpillar
Copyright: Fred Miller
Silk Mat to Curl Leaf Edges
Copyright: Fred Miller
Size Comparison of Two Caterpillars
Copyright: Fred Miller
Fake Eyes Mimics a Snake for Protection
Copyright: Bud Hensley
Orange Caterpillar
Copyright: Lisa Keown
False Eyespots to Scare off Predators
Copyright: Bud Hensley
Full-grown Fifth Instar Larva
Copyright: Fred Miller
Can turn color before pupating
Copyright: Lisa Keown
Tan Chrysalis and Silk Harness
Copyright: Bud Hensley
Male Puddling
Copyright: Fred Miller
Spicebush Swallowtail Butterfly Host and Nectar Plants
Host Plants for the Spicebush Swallowtail Butterfly: (What is this?)
Nectar Plants for the Spicebush Swallowtail Butterfly: (What is this?)
Spicebush Swallowtail Butterfly Facts And Information
Butterfly Family: Swallowtails & Parnassians (Papilionidae)
Butterfly Subfamily: Swallowtail (Papilioninae)
Butterfly Wingspan: 3 1/2 in. to 4 in.
Butterfly Habitat: Wooded areas, swamps, parks, fields
Similar To: Black Swallowtail
Spicebush Swallowtail Butterfly Flight Range Map
Note: Map represents approximate butterfly flight range.
