Spicebush Swallowtail
Papilio troilus
Last reviewed: June 2026
Spicebush Swallowtail is known for its Large black wings with white and green-blue scaling.
Host plants
Spicebush Swallowtail caterpillars can only develop on their larval host plants. Plant one of these natives and you can host the full life cycle in your own yard (host plant associations per the Xerces Society (opens in new tab)).
- Wild Allspice (Lindera benzoin)
- Sassafras (Sassafras albidum)
- Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)
Want Spicebush Swallowtail in your yard? Open Wild Allspice in Pollinator Patch and plan an HOA-friendly garden around it for your region.
Family
Papilionidae
Wingspan
76–102 mm
Active
May through September
Range
RI, AL, AR, DC and 28 more states
How to identify it
Look for large black wings with white and orange spots, and a distinctive green or blue-green scaling on the hindwings.
Good to know
- Caterpillars have large eyespots that mimic snake eyes to deter predators
- Named for their preference for spicebush as a larval host plant
- Males perform territorial behaviors to attract females
Common questions
- What do Spicebush Swallowtail caterpillars eat?
- Spicebush Swallowtail caterpillars feed on Lindera benzoin, Sassafras albidum, and Magnolia grandiflora. These are the larval host plants the caterpillars must have to develop, per the Xerces Society and host plant records compiled from GBIF and iNaturalist.
- Where do Spicebush Swallowtail live?
- Spicebush Swallowtail is found across RI, AL, AR, DC and 28 more states.
- When are Spicebush Swallowtail active?
- Adult Spicebush Swallowtail are typically on the wing from May through September.
Range and life-history data compiled from iNaturalist, GBIF, and the Xerces Society. Photo licensed cc-by-nc-sa.