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Papilio cresphontes
The mature caterpillar resembles bird droppings to deter predators, and if that doesn't work they use their red osmeterium. These are 'horns' which they can display and then retract. The coloration is dingy brown and or olive with white patches and small patches of purple. Citrus fruit farmers often call the caterpillars orange dogs or orange puppies because of the devastation they can cause on their crops.
7 Comments
Amazing larvae indeed, Mayra!
Wow!
Thanks for the ID, Env! And thank you, Sergio, Dane, and S. Frazier for changing the category!
Ahhh, what a wierd-looking face, but kinda beautiful the same time.
Moved to Arthropods :-)
They surely are, Toucan.
Does anyone know if these are Swallowtail's larvae??