Interactive Butterfly CD
Butterflies of the
Carolinas & Virginias

Spicebush Swallowtail,
Papilio troilus

Size:
Wingspan is 2 1/2 to 4 1/2 inches.

Similar Species:
Black Swallowtail
Pipevine Swallowtail
black-form female Eastern Tiger Swallowtail.

Habitat:
Open woodlands, powerline cuts and gardens near woodlands. It`s host plants include Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) and Sassafras (Sassafras albindum)

Abundance:
Common yet, seldom in large numbers.

Flight Period:
Flies from late March until mid October.

Comments: The Spicebush Swallowtail after you get your first ID it becomes much easier to get even during flight. Look for the larger whitish spots on both sets of wings from above. And from below look for 2 orange spot bands on the hindwing..

The top photo was taken in Caswell Co., NC on May 30, 2004. The second photo was taken in Richmond Co., NC on May 08, 2004. The bottom photo was taken in Caswell Co., NC on August 17, 2003.

Home

Butterflies