Backyard news I

Papilio machaon, last stage caterpillar.

comments (3)

Ferdy Christant

Lion

It looks like it is about to pop ;) What are those yellow horn-like things? Posted 6 years ago
1. RMFelix
  
  Lion
  
  They are called 'osmeterium', and they are used to defend themselves from predators. The larvae can eject (protrude) this fleshy orange and strong smelling fork to warn predators. The smell is like a processed essence of the common ruta sp. that they feed on. Cheers* Posted 6 years ago, modified 6 years ago
2. 1. Ferdy Christant
    
    Lion
    
    Thanks for the info! Posted 6 years ago

The Old World swallowtail

''Papilio machaon'', the Old World swallowtail, is a butterfly of the family Papilionidae. The butterfly is also known as the common yellow swallowtail or simply the swallowtail . It is the type species of the genus ''Papilio''. This widespread species is found in much of the Palearctic and in North America.

Info 52 0

Similar species: Moths And Butterflies

Species identified by RMFelix