Spicebush Swallowtail
Papilio troilus
"The broad, black hindwings
of the adult butterfly are bordered with pale greenish, crescent
shaped spots. Hind wings of the male are clouded with a blue
green band, while those of the female have a blue shading. Two
bands of large orange spots mark the underside of both sexes."
It is the parallel rows of orange spots that identify these as
Spicebush Swallowtails.
In the last week of March, there are few blooming plants, and
competition is keen for the thistles that have come out.
March 26, 2006