Spicebush swallowtail
Papilio troilus
Butterfly
Black swallowtail with iridescent blue or blue-green hindwings; larvae are specialists on plants in the laurel family (Lauraceae), primarily spicebush (Lindera benzoin) and sassafras (Sassafras albidum). The caterpillar mimics a small snake when threatened — folding the front of its body and displaying large false eyespots — which is one of the most striking caterpillar defenses in eastern North American forests.
Plants in the catalog
Larval host plants · 2
NC State Plant Toolbox documents spicebush as the primary larval host for Papilio troilus (spicebush swallowtail), supporting two generations per year from April through October. The caterpillar's snake-mimicking defense (folding to display large false eyespots) is one of the most striking caterpillar adaptations in eastern forests.
NC State documents sassafras as a larval host for the spicebush swallowtail (Papilio troilus, Lauraceae specialist); spicebush (Lindera benzoin) is the canonical primary host and sassafras is the secondary host. Both Lauraceae species together are the realistic conservation strategy for spicebush swallowtail populations.
Nectar plants · 1
NC State notes spicebush swallowtails forage on tulip tree blooms; the bloom timing fits the second brood of this species.
Range
Eastern North America from southern Ontario to Florida; wherever its Lauraceae hosts grow.