Spicebush Swallowtail | Papilio troilus PUPAE

Papilio 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 (Lindera benzoin) and sassafras (Sassafras albidum), which are commonly found in wooded areas, swamps, and other moist habitats. It also does very well on Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) 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.

Adult 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.

The 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.

Difficulty: Easy (2/10)

Host plants: Tulip Tree; Spicebush; Sassafrass.

Conditions: Room temperature or warmer; butterflies enjoy sunshine.

Lifecycle: two broods annually; pupae hibernate.