Insects and Spiders - Butterflies, Moths, and Caterpillars : Pipevine Swallowtail Butterfly
Battus philenor
Pipevine swallowtail caterpillars have a structure called an osmeterium. When the caterpillar feels threatened, it can raise the forked osmeterium and look a bit like a snake with a forked tongue. Often caterpillars release chemicals at the same time that can ward off predators. In this photo, the osmeterium is not raised, but it is in the next two photos.
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Caterpillar with a raised orange osmeterium.
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A raised osmeterium from another angle.
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The upper side of the butterfly's wings.
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This photo also shows the upper side of the wings. Notice how there are no colored spots on the hind wings like in the photo above. The next photo has a similar hind wing pattern.
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A view of the colors on the abdomen.
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Pro tip: If you can find mating butterflies, they are much better at staying put for a photo!
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This butterfly was by itself, but it was happy to climb onto my hand for photos.
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