Spicebush Swallowtail Butterfly (Papilio troilus)

Male Spicebush Swallowtail - Black and Blue Wings
Copyright: Bud Hensley
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.
More About Spicebush Swallowtails
Spicebush Swallowtail Photos, Facts, And Information

Spicebush Swallowtail White Egg
Copyright: Regina Cutter Edwards

Butterfly Egg and Caterpillar Compared to Penny
Copyright: Fred Miller

Swallowtail Caterpillar Hiding in Folded Leaf
Copyright: Alfred Houser

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

Spicebush Swallowtail Orange Caterpillar
Copyright: Lisa Keown

False Eyespots to Scare off Predators
Copyright: Bud Hensley

Spicebush Swallowtail 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 Host and Nectar Plants
Host Plants for the Spicebush Swallowtail: (What is this?)
Nectar Plants for the Spicebush Swallowtail: (What is this?)
Spicebush Swallowtail 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 Flight Range Map
Note: Map represents approximate butterfly flight range.
