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Black Swallowtail Caterpillar - 5th instar

Papilio polyxenes

Description:

Swallowtail caterpillars have a defense mechanism, called an osmeterium, located behind the head. The osmeterium, which resembles a snake's tongue, is normally hidden until the caterpillar becomes disturbed. This gland emits a strong odor to repel predators.

Habitat:

Southern Canada - Mexico. Host Plants: parsley family (Umbelliferae) including carrot, parsley, dill, fennel and Queen Anne's lace and some members of the Rutaceae (Ruta graveolens and Thamnosma texana).

Notes:

Image 3 is of the first or second instar of this caterpillar on July 20, 2011. All were observed on Fennel.

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3 Comments

Small Wonders
Small Wonders 12 years ago

Thank you Mick & Nopayahnah! :)

MickGrant
MickGrant 12 years ago

Very good photos and observation!

Maria dB
Maria dB 12 years ago

Superb photos and the addition of the third one makes this really interesting!

Small Wonders
Spotted by
Small Wonders

Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA

Spotted on Jul 28, 2011
Submitted on Feb 14, 2012

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