Spicebush Swallowtail – 6/4/24

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 6/4/24

Observation Time: 1:00 p.m.

Observation Location: Moose Hill Farm (T.T.O.R.)

Common Name: Spicebush Swallowtail butterfly

Scientific Name: Papilio troilus

Comments: I saw this spicebush swallowtail butterfly feeding on a flowering beauty bush beside the driveway leading into Moose Hill Farm.

Spicebush swallowtail butterflies are similar to black swallowtail butterflies. Spicebush swallowtails have a marking that looks like a comet among the row of large orange spots on each of its rear wings (see photos). The black swallowtail just has another orange spot where the spicebush has the comet marking.

More Information: Massachusetts Butterfly Club