Ten days ago I posted a blurry photo of a Spicebush Swallowtail, expecting it might be the only shot I would get this year. This image fooled me initially because it was among several photos of a dark-morph female Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (of course; what else?). Then I noticed the spots on the head, the limited amount of blue wash on the hind wings, and all the ivory spots along the edges of the wings. Aha — not a Tiger!
» ID’ed as Papilio troilus or “Spicebush Swallowtail” at BugGuide.net
» Species pages: [ BAMONA ] [ BugGuide ] [ UK Butterflies ]
Retired economics professor (“dismal scientist”). Married 40+ years to the love of my life; we have two grown daughters, both married, two granddaughters and a...
@marlboromaam Yeah, the other one shows a butterfly that's in better shape. This one's a bit “weathered” and beaten up, but this image probably has greater “diagnostic” value!