




Papilio troilus
The Spicebush Swallowtail is a beautiful butterfly with black wings and bright blue spots. They love to flutter around gardens and forests, making them a delight to see!
Habitat: Forests
The Spicebush Swallowtail has large, black wings with iridescent blue-green patches, especially on the hindwings. A distinctive row of orange spots lines the lower edges of its wings, which also feature prominent 'tails'. Its caterpillars are bright green with large, convincing false eyespots.





Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Adult Spicebush Swallowtails 'puddle' for minerals, often in groups on damp ground!
The pupa of this butterfly can change color to perfectly match its surroundings!
Their caterpillars build cozy leaf shelters by folding and silking leaves together to rest inside!
Young caterpillars have fake 'eyes' that make them look like a tiny snake!
Spicebush Swallowtail can look like the toxic Pipevine Swallowtail that helps them scare away predators who avoid foul-tasting prey.
Spicebush Swallowtail has caterpillars that resemble bird droppings, which helps them hide from hungry birds while young.
Spicebush Swallowtail can scare predators by extending an orange, foul-smelling osmeterium from its head when threatened.
Caterpillars munch on leaves, while adult butterflies sip sweet flower nectar from many plants.
Age differences: Larvae eat leaves of host plants, but adults drink nectar from various flowers.
Lindera benzoin
Main host plant for its caterpillars.

Sassafras albidum
An alternative host plant for its caterpillars.

Asclepias syriaca
Adults feed on its nectar, aiding pollination.

Cyanocitta cristata
Birds, like jays, are common predators of this butterfly.
Marked with spots or patches of a different color.
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always watch butterflies from a distance and don't try to catch them.
90-130 mm
30-40 mm
6-14 days
15 km/h
Caterpillars munch on leaves, while adult butterflies sip sweet flower nectar from many plants.
Forests
Foraging
6
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New York, US
You might spot Mute Swan, Duck, and House Sparrow.
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Texas, US
You might spot Brown Anole, Eastern Gray Squirrel, and Bee.
View guide →

Pennsylvania, US
You might spot American Bullfrog and Allegheny Monkeyflower.
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Pennsylvania, US
You might spot Hemlock Varnish Shelf, Mountain Laurel, and Cinnamon Fern.
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Virginia, US
You might spot Hen Of The Woods, White Oak, and Harlequin Glorybower.
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