The Spicebush Swallowtail (Papilio troilus), found in the eastern United States, is named after one of its host plants, the Northern Spicebush (Lindera benzoin). Spicebush Swallowtail caterpillars also feed on sassafras, red bay, and other plants in the Laurel family. Unfortunately, plants in the Laurel family are being debilitated by Laurel Wilt, a fungus spread by the Redbay Ambrosia Beetle, an exotic beetle from Asia.
Spicebush Swallowtail caterpillars, normally a bright green, turn bright orange just before they metamorphose into a chrysalis. The “eyes” replete with pupils are not eyes at all, but eyespots that startle predators. The real eyes are tiny organs near the mouth.
