Eastern Black Swallowtail Caterpillar - Papilio polyxenes

This early instar caterpillar is a bird-dropping mimic. They are mostly black, spiky, and have a white saddle around their middle. The white saddle is caused by uric acid deposits that may function as an antioxidant, protecting the larvae from phototoxic chemicals in their host plants. There are usually two broods in the summer, but occasionally a partial third brood will emerge later in the season.

Habitat: Rural garden