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