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Spicebush Swallowtail
The Spicebush Swallowtail has two rows of light spots on the dorsal side of the wings.
Spicebush Swallowtail eggs
Eggs are laid on Sassafras and Bay trees. Bay trees are declining due to a fungal disease.
Spicebush Swallowtail eggs
laid singly on underside of leaves
Spicebush Swallowtail
The young caterpillars generally roll the leaf around them to form a "tent" in which they grow.
Spicebush Swallowtail caterpillar
This is a young one wrapped in a leave which help hide it from predators.
Spicebush Swallowtail
The young caterpillars look like bird droppings (as do those of the Giant Swallowtail). They also have osmeterium that produces a bad smell.
Spicebush Swallowtail caterpillar
As they grow and age, the become bright green with false "eye spots" which are not eyes but confuse predators.
Spicebush Chrysalis
The chrysalis look like dried leaves for camouflage.
Spicebush Swallowtail caterpillars
easily overlooked by predators
Spicebush Swallowtail
And adult drying its wings while another is emerging and pumping its wings to full size.
Spicebush Swallowtail
dorsal view
Spicebush Swallowtail
ventral view
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