Photograph by:
Beth Giglio
Latin name:
Papilio troilus
Native to:
Eastern half of the United States, south to Florida. Occasionally strays to North Dakota, central Colorado, and Cuba.
Plant Association:
Larvae feed on the shrubs Lindera benzoin, Sassafras albidum, as well as the trees Liriodendron tulipifera, Magnolia virginiana, Cinnamomum camphora, and Persea borbonia. Adult butterflies feed on nectar from Japanese honeysuckle, thistles, milkweed, azaleas, and Lantana.
Interesting Fact:
Caterpillars live in shelters of folded-over leaves and come out to feed at night.