Spicebush Swallowtail Papilio troilus

Widespread and fairly common from spring into fall in NC, the caterpillars feed on spicebush and sassafras. Note the very bold aqua-colored "half-moons" along the trailing edge of the hindwing. Also on the dorsal hindwing, note the lack of a black spot inside the orange spot. (Black Swallowtails have a black spot centered inside this orange spot.)
Spicebush Swallowtail (Papilio troilus) Spicebush Swallowtail (Papilio troilus)
Moore Co., NC
11 June 2003
Sandhills Gamelands
Scotland Co., NC
10 April 2004

Spicebush Swallowtail (Papilio troilus) Spicebush Swallowtail (Papilio troilus)
Orange Co., NC
5 Apr 2006
Haywood Co., NC
16 Apr 2006

Spicebush Swallowtail (Papilio troilus) Spicebush Swallowtail (Papilio troilus)
Scotland Co., NC
20 Apr 2008
Scotland Co., NC
20 Apr 2008

Spicebush Swallowtail (Papilio troilus) Spicebush Swallowtail Papilio troilus
Orange Co., NC
9 July 2008

Spicebush Swallowtail (Papilio troilus) Spicebush Swallowtail Papilio troilus
Orange Co., NC
9 July 2008


Spicebush Swallowtail (Papilio troilus) Orange Co., NC
17 Apr 2006

Spicebush Swallowtail Papilio troilus
Scotland Co., NC
20 Apr 2008

North Carolina Butterflies | North American Butterflies | Jeff's Nature Page


Created on ... June 29, 2003 | Updated ... Oct 25, 2008 | jspippen@duke.edu