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Project Noah Nature School
Zerynthia rumina (caterpillars on Aristolochia baetica)
The caterpillars only feed on a few species of Dutchman's Pipe vines (Aristolochia). Alkaloids in the vines are poisonous to most other things, which makes the caterpillars unpalatable to predators. 2nd photo shows an early instar in an inflorescence, third is a more mature instar.
Dry river beds
Spotted on Apr 16, 2011
Submitted on Oct 16, 2011
7 Comments
Thanks Marta. I don't know if you could call the caterpillars pretty but it's some transformation!
Very pretty!
I love this series from caterpillar to instar to adult. Great documentation. Thanks for sharing.
Lovely!
No problem. Yeah, that happens sometimes, all the photos don't load when you save the spotting. Also it seems like it accepts the location but it sometimes changes after you save it. Just a few things to check on after you save.
Thanks! Second photo disappeared - now replaced
Spectacular!