September 21, 2020

I am a Spicebush Swallowtail butterfly

Named after my favorite caterpillar food

As an adult I feed on honeysuckle and thistles,

But I'll check out Spotted Horsemint and Salvia too. 

Update: I was asked how to differentiate between a Spicebush and a Black Swallowtail. Check out this page which has great comparisons between similar butterflies, specifically, look at the ventral views: 

https://www.butterfliesathome.com/black-swallowtail-butterfly-comparison.htm

Location: Fellsmere, my yard

Sources: https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Papilio-troilus

Photo and text © 2020 Dee Fairbanks Simpson