Spicebush Swallowtail Butterfly Images

Spicebush Swallowtail Butterfly Images, Facts and Information:

Papilio troilus

• Spicebush Swallowtail butterflies are large, black butterflies with distinctive blue and green markings on their wings. The hindwings feature light blue and green spots, and there are orange spots on the hindwings as well. Males and females can be distinguished by the coloration on their hindwings: males have a blue-green band, while females have a blue shading.
• Spicebush Swallowtails are primarily found in the Eastern United States, ranging from New England to Florida, and extending westward to the Great Plains. They are more common in the southeastern states and inhabit deciduous woodlands, fields, gardens, and areas near streams and rivers. Their preferred habitats are those where their host plants, spicebush and sassafras, are abundant.
• These butterflies have a wingspan ranging from 3.5 to 4.5 inches and are known for their strong and agile flight. They exhibit a fluttering and gliding flight pattern, which helps them navigate through their habitats.
• Spicebush Swallowtails lay eggs singly on the undersides of host plant leaves. The caterpillars initially mimic bird droppings for camouflage and later become bright green with prominent eyespots to deter predators. The caterpillars feed on spicebush, sassafras, and other plants, often folding leaves to create protective shelters.
• Adult Spicebush Swallowtail butterflies typically live for 6 to 14 days.

I hope you enjoy viewing my Spicebush Swallowtail butterfly photos.