Spicebush Swallowtail

This beautiful butterfly is easily identified by its spoon shaped tails. It is very similar to the Pipevine Swallowtail, but the Pipevine does not have tails.

The Spicebush gets its name from the fact that their caterpillars feed on sassafras leaves or as commonly known as Spicebush. They have very beautiful wings with irridescent blue on their wings and bright orange spots. They can average up to 4 1/2 inches across their wings.

These are found near decidous woodlands and near marshes or ponds. They fly very low to the ground and at a very fast pace. It took me awhile to catch this one still long enough to take its picture. Isn't it beautiful? They love Milkweed, Yarrow and Lantana and many other flowers that produce large amounts of nectar. This one was very busy searching for a tastey treat as it gets ready for its flight south for the winter.

"My beloved is gone down into his garden, to the beds of spices to feed in the gardens, and to gather lilies."

Song of Solomon 6:2