Spicebush Swallowtail
Papilio troilus
Photo by Betty Truax
Summary
The spicebush swallowtail is one of our most beloved visitors at the SBG. Named for its host plant, its adorable caterpillars can be found hiding out inside curled leaves of spicebush or sassafras. The large fake eye spots might scare predators– but to us, they just look cute!
The adult butterfly’s appearance has been described as a “cityscape at night”, with a dramatic wash of iridescent blue or green, along with white spots, standing out against its dark wings. With their long proboscis, they can easily visit long-tubed flowers such as clethra, milkweed, Joe Pye weed, and blazing star.
More Details
FAMILY
Papilionidae (Swallowtail)
IDENTIFICATION
3.5-5 inches. Black with iridescent blue (female) or green (male) wash on hind wings; similarly colored marginal spots
HABITAT
Forest, woodland, wooded urban areas; commonly found seeking nectar-rich garden flowers
LIFE CYCLE
Eggs are laid on host plants; early instars resemble bird droppings; mature caterpillars are snake-like, with large fake eye spots. Overwinters as a pupa. The bluish coloration of the female’s wings is a form of mimicry, imitating the foul-tasting pipevine swallowtail.
HOST PLANTS
Members of the Lauraceae family: Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) Sassafras
Ecosystem Connections
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