The Giant Swallowtail:

The tiger swallowtail caterpillar, also known as Papilio glaucus, has an extremely eccentric appearance. In fact, these caterpillars look exactly like an unsightly piece of bird poop! So, why do they look like this? Ultimately, this bird poop disguise is used as a camouflage tactic, repelling potential predators. After all, who would want to eat something that looks like poop? Not me!

Giant swallowtail caterpillars can typically be located on various types of citrus trees. Many adult swallowtail butterflies lay their eggs on lemon, lime, orange, or kumquat trees. The giant swallowtail caterpillars are often referred to as “orangedogs.” Once the adult swallowtail butterfly lays its eggs on a citrus tree, a baby caterpillar will emerge 3-5 days later. As soon as these caterpillars hatch, they begin eating. First, they eat the casing of the egg that they emerge from, deriving nutrients from it. Then, for the next 3-4 weeks, these caterpillars will feed on citrus leaves until they eventually begin to form their chrysalis! A chrysalis is formed through the secretion of silk from two glands inside the caterpillar. Once this chrysalis is formed, the caterpillar will remain in it for around 7 to 10 days, until it is prepared to emerge, venturing into the world with beautiful yellow wings!

(A mature giant swallowtail caterpillar)

(Giant Swallowtail Butterfly - adult)