Papilio polyxenes - Black Swallowtail Caterpillar

When provoked, the larvae of this species sprout eversible orange horns called osmeterium, which release a foul odor in order to deter predators. The osmeterium is a defensive, glandular organ that is coated in stinky chemicals, and is located at the base of the caterpillar's head. The osmeterial odor changes between species and within the life stages of the caterpillars. This particular caterpillar's osmeterium smelled like apples.

Habitat: on Queen Anne's Lace in a meadow

comments (4)

Flown Kimmerling

Lion

Ohhhh so awesome! What an epic shot, Christine! Posted 6 years ago
1. Christine Young
  
  Lion
  
  Thanks! It was showing off for sure - rearing up, sprouting horns, and stinking things up. Posted 6 years ago

Ferdy Christant

Lion

Very cool! Posted 6 years ago
1. Christine Young
  
  Lion
  
  Thank you! They are so cute when they sprout their horns. And, all you have to do is touch one gently near its head. Although, your finger will smell like apples for hours afterwards. Posted 6 years ago

The Black Swallowtail

The Black Swallowtail is a butterfly found throughout much of North America. It is the state butterfly of Oklahoma. An extremely similar-appearing species, "Papilio joanae", occurs in the Ozark Mountains region, but it appears to be closely related to "Papilio machaon", rather than "P. polyxenes".

Info 42 3

Similar species: Moths And Butterflies

Species identified by Christine Young