Spicebush Swallowtail (Papilio troilus)
Male - Black with Shiny Blue Wings
Copyright: Bud Hensley
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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 in which it is attached. These butterflies are a pleasure to watch and a welcome visitor to any garden.
See more photos below to help you identify the stages of the Spicebush Swallowtail butterfly life cycle.
Spicebush Swallowtail Life Cycle
White Egg
Copyright: Regina Cutter Edwards
Penny Comparison
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
Growth Comparison
Copyright: Fred Miller
Fake Eyes Mimics a Snake for Protection
Copyright: Bud Hensley
Pretty 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
Plants That Attract The Spicebush Swallowtail
Host Plants: (What is this?)
Nectar Plants: (What is this?)
Facts And Information
Family: Swallowtails & Parnassians (Papilionidae)
Subfamily: Swallowtail (Papilioninae)
Average Wingspan: 3 1/2 in. to 4 in.
Habitat: Wooded areas, swamps, parks, fields
Similar To: Black Swallowtail
Butterfly Flight Range
Note: Map represents approximate butterfly flight range.
