Giant swallowtail (larvae)

Adult: Black with a yellow X on the front wing and basal and subapical bands on the hind wing. Usually easily distinguished from P. thoas by the lower three spots in the outer row on the front wing being much larger than the rest and running (at the top) into a distinct offset in the second row.<br><br>Larva: brown or blackish with pale cream or whitish saddle in middle, and large cream patch on tail, imitating bird poop in coloration; when disturbed, extends orange-red osmeteria from behind head and emits sour unpleasant odor. (information from BugGuide)