ExploreInsects

Spicebush Swallowtail

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

Appearance

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.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyPapilionidaeGenusPapilio
Spicebush Swallowtail
spotted trait badgesolitary trait badgecolorful trait badgeherbivorous trait badge
Spicebush Swallowtail

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

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!

Special abilities

Ability

Toxic Mimic

Spicebush Swallowtail can look like the toxic Pipevine Swallowtail that helps them scare away predators who avoid foul-tasting prey.

Ability

Caterpillar Disguise

Spicebush Swallowtail has caterpillars that resemble bird droppings, which helps them hide from hungry birds while young.

Ability

Stinky Defense

Spicebush Swallowtail can scare predators by extending an orange, foul-smelling osmeterium from its head when threatened.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
90-130 mm
Size
30-40 mm
Lifespan
6-14 days
Flight Speed
15 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

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.

Primary Foods

  • Spicebush leaves
  • Sassafras leaves
  • Milkweed nectar
  • Thistle nectar
  • Cardinal flower nectar

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

Spicebush Butterfly

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch butterflies from a distance and don't try to catch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Spicebush Swallowtail's wingspan?

90-130 mm

How big is Spicebush Swallowtail?

30-40 mm

How long does Spicebush Swallowtail live?

6-14 days

How fast can Spicebush Swallowtail fly?

15 km/h

What does Spicebush Swallowtail eat?

Caterpillars munch on leaves, while adult butterflies sip sweet flower nectar from many plants.

Where is Spicebush Swallowtail usually found?

Forests

How does Spicebush Swallowtail hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Spicebush Swallowtail have?

6

Snap Map

Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.

Loading map…

Recent Snaps

Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.

Where to spot

More Insects