Description:
Above: black with a row of marginal yellow/white spots; females are nearly identical to the males, although males are more likely to show a second partial row of spots on the forewing. Below: black, with two rows of yellow spots, the innermost row is interrupted in the middle by a blue spot.
Habitat:
Woodlands, and open areas near woodlands.
Overwintering Strategy:
Chrysalis
Flight:
Two broods in northern Illinois; strays have occurred in Wisconsin mainly during June and July.
Notes:
The Spicebush Swallowtail is an uncommon stray into Wisconsin. The main larval food plants of this species are Sassafras and Spicebush, neither of which is native to Wisconsin.
Overwintering Strategy
Two-way migration: Adult migrates from Wisconsin to Central Mexico
Small migration: Adult migrates from Wisconsin to southern US
Immigrant: Adult migrates into Wisconsin from warmer areas and don't fly south in winter
Adult Butterfly: Hibernates overwinter as an adult butterfly
Eggs: Eggs laid on stems, twigs or foot plants overwinter in diapause
Caterpillar: Caterpillars make nests on the base of plants and hibernate until spring
Chrysalis: Caterpillars shed their last skin, form a chrysalis and enter diapause.
For more information, read: Where Do Butterflies Go In Winter?
Further Information:
Design A Butterfly Garden
Take The Butterfly Quiz
Monarch Life Cycle
Butterflies and Moths of North America
WisconsinButterflies.org
Southern Wisconsin Butterfly Assn (NABA)
The Butterfly Site
