Spicebush Swallowtail
Papilio troilus

f22 @ 1/320s, ISO:2000, Nikon D3S w 105mm macro

"Papilio troilus," Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Typically, the wingspan of a spicebush swallowtail ranges from 3 to 4 inches (7.6 to 10.2 cm). Adults are primarily black/brown in color, with a trademark green-blue (male) or bright blue (female) splotch in the shape of a half moon on the hindwings. The forewing has a border of cream-colored, oval spots. In the middle portion of the wing, the spots can be moon shaped and a light blue in color. Both sexes have cream-yellow moon-shaped spots on the edges of the hindwings and a bright, orange spot at the base of the wings. In females, the orange spot at the base of the wings will turn a greenish-white shade in summer, but not the spring.

Francis A. Crane Wildlife Management Area, East Falmouth, Massachusetts

07/30/2021