{"product_id":"papilio-troilus-pupae","title":"Spicebush Swallowtail PUPAE (Papilio troilus)","description":"\u003cp\u003ePapilio troilus, commonly known as the Spicebush Swallowtail, is a striking butterfly native to North America. It derives its name from its primary larval host plants, spicebush (\u003cem\u003eLindera benzoin\u003c\/em\u003e) and sassafras (\u003cem\u003eSassafras albidum\u003c\/em\u003e), which are commonly found in wooded areas, swamps, and other moist habitats. It also does very well on Tulip Tree (\u003cem\u003eLiriodendron tulipifera\u003c\/em\u003e) which is commonly grown as an ornamental in the UK. This species is known for its beauty and fascinating adaptations that enhance its survival in the wild.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdult Spicebush Swallowtails are velvety black with iridescent blue or green scaling on the hindwings, a feature more pronounced in females. Both sexes also display orange spots along the wing margins. The caterpillars are equally remarkable, starting as small, bird-dropping mimics before transforming into bright green larvae with large, snake-like eyespots. These eyespots deter predators by mimicking a snake’s face, an effective survival strategy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe butterfly’s habitat spans the eastern United States, from southern Canada to Florida and westward to Texas. It frequents forests, meadows, and gardens where its host and nectar plants grow. Adults are agile fliers and feed on nectar from flowers like milkweed, phlox, and lantana, while also engaging in puddling to acquire nutrients from moist soil or gravel around riverbeds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDifficulty: \u003c\/strong\u003eEasy (2\/10)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHost plants:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tulip Tree; Spicebush; Sassafrass.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConditions: \u003c\/strong\u003eRoom temperature or warmer; butterflies enjoy sunshine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLifecycle: \u003c\/strong\u003etwo broods annually; pupae hibernate.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bugs \u0026 Butterflies UK","offers":[{"title":"2 Pupae \/ Summer","offer_id":53654419210588,"sku":"","price":14.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"5 Pupae \/ Summer","offer_id":53654419243356,"sku":"","price":27.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"10 Pupae \/ Summer","offer_id":53654419276124,"sku":"","price":49.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0868\/8671\/1644\/files\/Spicebush_Swallowtail.jpg?v=1734656792","url":"https:\/\/bugsandbutterflies.uk\/products\/papilio-troilus-pupae","provider":"Bugs \u0026 Butterflies UK","version":"1.0","type":"link"}