Skip to main content

Spicebush swallowtail

Papilio troilus

Photo by Lisaremington
Published on Project Noah
Zoom
NominateNominate for Wildlife Photograph of the Month
reportFlag Spotting

43.027, -71.5558

Field Notes

Description:

Wing span: 3 - 4 inches (7.5 - 10 cm).(1)
Identification
Adult: Upper surface of forewing is mostly black with ivory spots along margin. Upper surface of hindwing has orange spot on costal margin and sheen of bluish (female) or bluish-green (male) scales. Underside of hindwing with pale green marginal spots.(1) Median spotband on underside of hindwing missing one orange spot.(2)
Caterpillar: First three instars resemble a bird dropping. Last two instars are green with large eyespots - the two largest on third thoracic segment have black "pupils", two smaller ones on first abdominal segment do not. The larva changes color to orange or yellow just prior to pupating.

Habitat:

Wooded area, near a pond/brook

Species ID Suggestions

Male Spicebush Swallowtail

Papilio troilus

Comments (2)

Thank you so very much! Yes, I agree with you. I'll adjust my sighting. I appreciate your help. :)
I believe you have found a beautiful male Spicebush Swallowtail. The black colored swallowtails can often be confused with each other. If you check the link I provided you can compare to yours.
Photographed
PublishedOctober 14, 2019

Accelerate our Mission to Photograph 
Every Species in the World!

Image
Butterflies icon

Wildlife Community

Wildlife Community

Join a worldwide community passionate about wildlife and nature!

Join Project Noah

Nature School

Nature School

Transform your green space into a curiosity-creating nature classroom!

Visit Nature School

Wildlife Game

Wildlife Game

Defend wildlife throughout the jungle in thrilling nature game!

Play Baboon