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Eastern Black Swallowtail (caterpillar)
Papilio polyxenes
34.4042, -85.0312
Field Notes
Description:
Fourth or Fifth instar (denoted by green and black stripes with yellow-orange spots on the latter) Eastern Black Swallowtail feeding on fennel in my garden. Showed its osmeterium (defense mechanism) when I brushed its prothoracic segment.
Once done feeding, the caterpillar will purge and begin looking for a place to form a chrysalis.
Habitat:
Fennel plant in organic garden surrounded by mixed hardwood forest and an overgrown yard/field.
Reference Links:
Papilio polyxenes - Wikipedia
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Spotted for Missions
Photographed
PublishedJuly 18, 2017
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