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Project Noah Nature School
Papilio polytes
This caterpillar closely mimics a snake head up-to the slit in the eyes. The red organ on the head (Osmeterium) is extended when disturbed as a defensive mechanism. It oozes a foul-smelling secretion containing terpenes. This extension also mimics the forked tongue of a snake.
This species prefers lime trees.
Spotted on Sep 2, 2013
Submitted on Sep 2, 2013
10 Comments
A beautiful caterpillar....
Thank you fini1... Yes, it is the caterpillar stage of Common Mormon butterfly.
Thank you skopeion....
Thks! Very fun
Thank you Yasser
Incredible shots of a very fascinating caterpillar!
Thanks vivianpoma
awesome, beautiful photo, wonderful colors!
Thank you AnnvanWijgerden
Superb shots! And an amazingly well defended + lovely creature!