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Black Swallowtail Caterpillar

Papilio polyxenes

Photo by SabrinaSmith
Published on Project Noah
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33.9347, -83.9565

Field Notes

Description:

The (eastern) black swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes), also called the American swallowtail or parsnip swallowtail,[1] is a butterfly found throughout much of North America. It is the state butterfly of Oklahoma. An extremely similar-appearing species, Papilio joanae occurs in the Ozark Mountains region, but it appears to be closely related to Papilio machaon, rather than P. polyxenes.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (4)
SabrinaSmith
Thank you ALL for your comments. I will HAPPILY and ENTHUSIASTICALLY join any missions offered. Currently, I am in South Korea with a broken camera. My hope is to repair my camera and find wildlife (this includes insects, marine life, plant life, etc.) to photograph. I have been unable to find ANY WAY OR PLACE to take such photographs. I love nature. I like the trees, the clouds, the rocks, the plants, ANYTHING that moves. But, I cannot find like minded people here. So, if ANYONE can give me any information I would be most grateful. I am also VERY grateful for all of your comments. It's great to find people with this common interest. REALLY, REALLY, AWESOME! So, thank you again.
KenCheeks
Gorgeous caterpillar! Would you consider adding to my mission on Caterpillars of the Southeastern USA? http://www.projectnoah.org/missions/17231400
Reza Hashemizadeh
Hi Sabrina, since you already know the common name of this wonderful spotting, please update it with the scientific name so that it may be removed from the Unidentified category. I am attaching a link for your reference :) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papilio_polyxenes
Photographed
PublishedFebruary 16, 2013

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