O5101

Spicebush Swallowtail Butterfly

Papilio Troilus

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Spicebush Swallowtail

This lovely butterfly derives its name from the plant it frequents most often — the spicebush. The swallowtail is unique in that, unlike other butterflies, it continues to flutter its wings while feeding. And, unlike other species in the  swallowtail family, the spicebush flies low to the ground rather than at -great heights. 

Found mainly in the eastern United States, it occasionally strays to the Midwest and has even been sighted as far west as Colorado. Individuals travel to find water and nectar, preferring deciduous woods or swamps with trees.

The spicebush is primarily black with blue and/or green crescents on the back wings and cream to orange ovals on the wing edges. Food sources include nectar from honeysuckle, thistles, azaleas, and minosas. My individually hand painted cachet shows an adult swallowtail as it feeds on nectar, and it 5also has a larvae on a nearby leaf. The 660 spicebush swallowtail is now ready. Collins #O5101 at $14.50.