Skip to main content
Today is National Trails Day!
Close

Giant Swallowtail larva

Papilio chresphontes

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

27.1192, -82.4443

Field Notes

Description:

This caterpillar mimics bird droppings supposedly to discourage predation by birds!

Habitat:

School garden

Notes:

Found on citrus plant, it's larval host.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (7)
alicelongmartin
Nice Update! By the way there is a Buddha Hand fruit picture put on tonight from CA
ceherzog
I just added photos of the change to chrysalis if anyone is interested.
ceherzog
I know...it's very weird looking but the butterfly is beautiful! It's all about survival.
iamcherreymaiya
this really looks so weird. i can hardly figure it out... nice !
ceherzog
It might be...I found 3 of these large ones on the Buddha's Hand citrus. Now if I can find the chrysalises in the next couple of days.
ReannaDee
Cool pics! Caterpillars almost look alien in form.

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Butterflies & Moths of the World
Photographed
PublishedMay 25, 2011

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