Spicebush Swallowtail (Papilio troilus)

Caterpillar

The larvae hatch out with an appearance initially resemble bird droppings as an adaptation for camouflage and fool the predators. Later, they transform themselves to mimic a snake with the help of their eyespots in the later instars.

Pupa

cdn.butterflyatlas.org

The chrysalis hibernates over winter, and during this time, they are usually brown to mimic dead leaves. The pupae that form during the spring or the summer months are usually green, resembling the new foliage.

Adult Butterfly

Sexual Dimorphism: Faintly present

Color and Appearance: When the wings are open, the dorsal side of the primary wings is primarily black with dull white to ivory spots along the margin. The hindwings have orange spots on the costal margins, as also have scales that renders a bluish green sheen to the males and simply bluish to the females. When the wings are closed, the ventral side of the hindwings displays marginal spots in pale green coloration.

Average wingspan: 3 – 4 inches (7.5 – 10 cm)

Flight pattern: Low to the ground, with relaxed flops

Eggs

bugguide.net

Rounded, light-colored eggs, laid one at a time on the underside of the host plant’s leaves.