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Project Noah Nature School
Papilio cresphontes
Today I found this Giant Swallowtail caterpillar and it gave me the classic defensive posture so I thought I would share. That red thing is called an osmeterium and it helps the caterpillar to mimic a snake and hopefully scare a predator away. There is also a strong odor that permeates the air when it sticks its ''tongue'' out. Also noteworthy is the fact that this species is a southern dweller and is a rare visitor to the Montreal area so I was very lucky to spot it.
I have added another image showing the caterpillar attached to a twig and getting ready to become a chrysalis.
Spotted on Sep 16, 2013
Submitted on Sep 16, 2013
40 Comments (1–25)
Four, beautiful photos....
The pupa has a remarkable wood-like camouflage!
In the latest image I added, the caterpillar has shed its outer skin and the perfectly camouflaged chrysalis is getting ready for the final stage.
The update is really amazing! It's wonderful that you have been tracking it.
I have added another image showing the caterpillar attached to a twig and getting ready to become a chrysalis.
Very nice spotting ! Congratulations :)
Once more, I would like to thank everyone who has liked and commented on my caterpillar shot. I am very touched by your kind comments.
Congratulations - wonderful capture!
Awesome!!!!
congratulations johnlquerin... awesome spotting....
Congrats awesome spotting ! :)
too cute.
Great news!!! Congratulations John! It is a magnificent spot and perfect timing to see this snake mimic.
Fabulous spot John! It is a well-deserved spotting of the day!
Wow, such an amazing similarity to a snake I bet most would feel like taking a step back upon seeing it! It's also kind of funny, a bit like a caterpillar in fancy-dress.
Congratulations John! It is a very convincing little snake, it even looks scaly! Great photos!
Awesome spotting, John. Thank you so much for the info too. Congratulations!
Congratulations !
that is neat!
Thanks Tiz and Joshua.
Congratulations John :) This is a very cool spotting. I had no idea such behaviour existed! Enjoy the day, Tina
Awesome story and spotting John! Thanks for sharing and congrats :)
Thank you all for your kind comments. I am thrilled that my shot has been selected for shot of the day. It is my first and I am very happy that my little caterpillar has been seen by so many people. I hope I will find more gems like this to share with you in the future.
Congratulations !
Right, congratulations! Good job.