Skip to main content
Today is World Oceans Day!
Close

Black swallowtail caterpillar (final instar)

Papilio polyxenes

Photo by KarenL
Published on Project Noah
Zoom
NominateNominate for Wildlife Photograph of the Month
reportFlag Spotting

35.9021, -86.8826

Field Notes

Description:

Final instar

Habitat:

Semi rural

Reference Links:

Butterflies and Moths of North America | collecting and sharing data about Lepi…

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (8)
KarenL
I started bringing them in after I found 18 one day of various instars but they had all disappeared the following day - presumably eaten by birds. I keep them in an aquarium with a screen lid that I bought off of craigslist. I love watching them but they are very messy - basically eating & pooping machines!
ForestDragon
I had watched the first group from teeny first instar to final instar but not fully grown. I was somewhat horrified when I walked out to find one assassinated by a European Paper Wasp. The rest disappeared over the next day or so. I don't have a good place to take some in.
KarenL
I look to see them too Tamar! Last year I brought a few indoors & raised them to improve their survival rates. It was fascinating to watch them develop.
ForestDragon
One of my all time favorites! The batch that were laid on my bronze fennel were doing well until the wasps found them... I hope the new ones make it.
Micolo
Beautiful, its luminosity "shines" through

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Butterflies & Moths of the World
Mission
Moths of the World
Mission
Backyard Habitats of the World
Mission
Butterflies and Moths of Southeast USA
Mission
National Geographic's Great Nature Project
Photographed
PublishedMay 29, 2013

Community Sponsor

Butterfly
Become a Community Sponsor and Help Grow our Global Movement!

Accelerate our Mission to Photograph 
Every Species in the World!

Butterflies icon
Become a Community Sponsor

Wildlife Community

Wildlife Community

Join a worldwide community passionate about wildlife and nature!

Join Project Noah

Nature School

Nature School

Transform your green space into a curiosity-creating nature classroom!

Visit Nature School

Wildlife Game

Wildlife Game

Defend wildlife throughout the jungle in thrilling nature game!

Play Baboon

Nature & Conservation Organizations

Brands & Mission-Focused Companies