The Swallowtails are beautiful butterflies, many of them are native to North America.
A swallowtail butterfly, in L’Amoreaux Park in Toronto.
I have previously identified this specimen as a spicebush swallowtail (Papilio troilus), but now I am convinced that it is a black swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes).
I have seen this specimen in L’Amoreaux Park.
The coloration and shape of the Spicebush Swallowtail mimics another swallowtail butterfly the foul tasting Pipevine Swallowtail, yet the ones that seem to be really hard to tell apart are the Spicebush Swallowtail and the Black Swallowtail.
Further Readings:
Spicebush OR Black Swallowtail? An Underwing Guide.
Papilio troilus on Wikipedia.
Papilio polyxenes on Wikipedia.
Spicebush Swallowtail on Butterflies of Ontario.
Black Swallowtail on Butterflies of Ontario.
Papilio troilus on BugGuide.Net.
Papilio polyxenes on BugGuide.Net.
Papilio troilus on Wikipedia.
Papilio polyxenes on Wikipedia.
Spicebush Swallowtail on Butterflies of Ontario.
Black Swallowtail on Butterflies of Ontario.
Papilio troilus on BugGuide.Net.
Papilio polyxenes on BugGuide.Net.
Last updated: August 31, 2015