Pipevine Swallowtail Caterpillar

Description:

Mature caterpillars are either bright red or purplish-black and about two inches long. There are two rows of fleshy bumps down the back with a long pair of filaments arising just behind the head and flaring out to the side. On purplish-black forms the bumps are either red or orange while on red forms the bumps are usually the same color as the body. Along the sides there are more fleshy bumps, the first three pairs are more like filaments and about half as long as the long filaments behind the head. Overall, the early stages are like warning beacons. Bright colors advertising to potential foes “Don’t eat me!” If that weren’t enough protection swallowtail caterpillars also possess an osmeterium. This is a retractable fleshy organ behind the head that is extruded when the caterpillar is alarmed. It releases a strong pungent odor that supposedly drives off potential enemies.

Habitat:

Wildlife habitat yard with pipevine growing in it.