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Project Noah Nature School
Battus philenor
Pipevine Swallowtail caterpillar. One of hundreds that were stuffing themselves full of Dutchman's Pipe leaves out at Audubon Canyon Ranch near Stinson Beach, CA. Also, close-up shot of the larva's osmeterium; a fleshy, malodorous projection that the larva sports if it gets annoyed. Together, the scent and appearance of these orange "horns" may deter a predator from eating the caterpillar.
Spotted on Jul 19, 2011
Submitted on Jul 25, 2011
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