Pollinator Profile #2: Spicebush Swallowtail (Papilio Troilus)
Favorite song: Spice Spice Baby
Nickname: Spice Girl, Sassyfrass
My Motto: Goofy to Glamorous in less than 2 months!
The Spicebush swallowtail is one of our most beloved visitors at the SBG. Its adorable caterpillar can be found hiding out inside curled leaves of the Spicebush or sassafras. Those fake eye spots might scare predators-- but to us, they just look cute!
As for the adult butterfly, its look has been described as a “cityscape at night”, with a dramatic wash of blue, along with white spots, standing out against its dark wings. Both are a welcome sight in the Garden.
Author: Lisa Schneider
Photo credit: S. Krotzer
Favorite song: Spice Spice Baby
Nickname: Spice Girl, Sassyfrass
My Motto: Goofy to Glamorous in less than 2 months!
The Spicebush swallowtail is one of our most beloved visitors at the SBG. Its adorable caterpillar can be found hiding out inside curled leaves of the Spicebush or sassafras. Those fake eye spots might scare predators-- but to us, they just look cute!
As for the adult butterfly, its look has been described as a “cityscape at night”, with a dramatic wash of blue, along with white spots, standing out against its dark wings. Both are a welcome sight in the Garden.
Author: Lisa Schneider
Photo credit: S. Krotzer