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tiger swallowtail caterpillar

Papilio glaucus

Photo by textless
Published on Project Noah
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37.4739, -108.505

Field Notes

Description:

This fancy green caterpillar was about two inches long and very plump, with a pink face and yellow and blue markings. It was eating aspen leaves.

Habitat:

Mixed aspen, oak, and pine forest in southwestern Colorado. Elevation around 7,000 feet.

Species ID Suggestions

Western tiger swallowtail

Papilio rutulus

Comments (15)

Congrats textless, your spotting was one of those featured in our butterfly quiz! https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152672664620603&set=a.10151038603515603.770909.10150120463815603&type=1
I think this is actually the p. rutulus based on its location.
What an amazing shot! Nature never ceases to impress me. They have camouflage down to a fine art!
so that's the real face up close.. the markings on top made me think that was their face all along.. :-)
Beautiful macro - superb shots, textless!
Maybe Santa will bring me a new camera and lens for Christmas. I have not been a good girl. Awesome Textless! LOVE the series.
Thanks Liz Vazquez. :) I've only been on Project Noah for a few days, and like it a lot! I like your spottings too.
project noah is pretty addictive! so take care! ;) since I joined, I do nothing else in my spare time... taking pictures, searching for IDs, posting them here. ;)
Thanks for the nice comment. I just found Project Noah and love seeing all the spottings from around the world. :)
Thanks! It was a really pretty caterpillar and I was excited to find it.

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