Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Spicebush Swallowtail.




What's cool about these are the larval stage. The caterpillar takes on markings that remind predators of a snake, thus scaring them off (Though they look like eyes, it's just coloration). There are all sorts of caterpillars that mimic snakes, including ones in the amazon that drop its tail from trees and look like a viper staring you down. Crazy, no?

The butterfly is actually Mississippi's state butterfly. If you're observant enough, you can find these guys all over the American South.

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