Spicebush Swallowtail

These beauties can be found in deciduous woodlands, fields, roadsides, yards, pine barrens, wooded swamps, and parks. The Spicebush Swallowtail has to be one of the most spectacular caterpillars of any of the North American Lepidoptera. Tucked in a leaf shelter during the day, these caterpillars often go undiscovered unless you know how to find them.

Photo Credit: John Blair

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  • Sassafras (Sassafras albidum)

    Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)

  • Can be found puddling

    Aster, Azalea (Rhododendron groenlandicum), Blazing Star, Buttonbush, Dogbane, Phlox, Milkweed, Lupine, Monarda, Purple Coneflower, Thistle

  • Azalea, Brazilian Verbena, Butterfly Bush (make sure you use a sterile variety), Honeysuckle, Lilac, Mexican Sunflower, Zinnia

  • April-October. Two to three broods, last brood overwinters.

  • Butterflies and Moths of North America. Butterfliesandmoths.org

    Brenda Dziedzic, Raising Butterflies in the Garden

    Heather Holm, Pollinators of Native Plants

    National Wildlife Federation. Nwf.org

    Xerces Society. Xerces.org