Spicebush Swallowtail
Papilio troilus

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

Similar Species:
Pipevine Swallowtail
Black Swallowtail
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (female)

Habitat:
Open woodlands, wooded swamps, pine barrens, power line cuts and gardens near woodlands.

Range/Abundance:
Common yet seldom in large numbers. Can be very common at times in the sandhills, piedmont and mountains.


Flight Period:
Adults fly from early April until mid September in two to three broods.

Larval Host Plants:
Spicebush Lindera benzoin and Sassafras Sassafras albindum.

Comments:
Never seen in large numbers in most of the region. The best place to find Spicebush Swallowtail in numbers is the Sandhills Gamelands. Look for males puddling in the wet sandy areas along the small lakes or streams.

Look for the larger whitish spots on both sets of wings from above. And from below look for the two orange spot bands on the hindwing.

The top photo was taken in Adams Co., OH on September 03, 2002. The second photo was taken at the Rittmaster Estate in Durham Co., NC on August 17, 2003. The third photo was taken in Orange Co., NC on May 31, 2004. The male at bottom was photographed in Bedford Co., VA on July 13, 2002.

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