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Spicebush Swallowtail Butterfly

Spicebush Swallowtail Butterfly
Papilio troilus

Found throughout continental North America from south eastern Canada to northern Texas. The female colouring mimics the poisonous Pipe-vine Swallowtail.

Dark butterflies are always difficult to photograph. It is necessary to overexpose by about 1½ stops to bring out the wing detail while not overexposing the surroundings. Because of the dark subject I chose dark flowers, but with some yellow to bring out the yellow patches on the hind wings. The background was also chosen for colour sympathy, and was kept relatively dark so as not to overwhelm the dark subject.

Family: Papilionidae
Genus: Papilio
Latin name: Papilio glaucus
Common name: Tiger Swallowtail