The spicebush swallowtail (Papilio troilus) is one of several butterflies in the Papilionidae family, whose range extends into the Northeast. The name is a nod to one of this butterfly’s preferred ...

Spicebush swallowtails (Papilio Troilus) are a type of swallowtail butterfly found in eastern North America. As larvae, they inhabit deciduous woodlands, wooded swamps, and pine barrens.

Spicebush swallowtails are most often seen in wooded swampy areas where there is shade and water. These butterflies usually fly close to the ground preferring not to go high into the trees where ...

The look of a spicebush swallowtail is best described by Judy Burris and Wayne Richards in their book, “The Life Cycle of Butterflies.” The beauties with their dark wings and white spots look ...

The spicebush swallowtail caterpillar is also said to mimic dead or dying leafs to protect themselves from predators. But it is most famous for mimicking a snake.

For its part, the spicebush swallowtail prefers, yes, spicebushes, but sassafras trees will work, too. And the pipevine swallowtail? They lay their eggs on, you guessed it, pipevine plants.

Photo of a big-eyed spicebush swallowtail has people questioning if the caterpillars are real. The photo was posted April 2 by the U.S. Department of Interior.

Spicebush swallowtails (Papilio Troilus) are a type of swallowtail butterfly found in eastern North America. As larvae, they inhabit deciduous woodlands, wooded swamps, and pine barrens.