The spicebush and pipevine swallowtails differ from the black swallowtail in markings and in their choice of larval host plants.

Black swallowtail caterpillars have fairly general tastes, partaking of plants of the parsley family. Herb gardeners can easily find the caterpillars on dill and parsley.

The spicebush swallowtail (above) is found in open woods. The caterpillars feed on spicebush and sassafras.

Pipevine caterpillars prefer pipe vine or Virginia snakeroot. Note the airbrushed blue coloration. The butterfly in this photo is freshly emerged and sitting just a few feet from a pipevine planted in the photographer's garden.