Caterpillar to the Swallowtail Butterfly

Illustration Description

Caterpillar (larva stage) created in coloured pencil of the Swallowtail butterfly. The caterpillar changes its appearance as it grows; it closely resembles a bird dropping in the early stages, but, after the 3rd moult, displays much brighter warning colouration. The caterpillar develops a bright-orange organ called an “osmeterium” that is situated behind the first segment. This organ is used as a defence mechanism, and is protruded when the larva is threatened, giving off a pungent smell similar to rotting pineapple. This stage lasts approximately 4 weeks.