Friday, February 4, 2011

Spicebush Swallowtail Caterpillar


The caterpillars live in folded leaf shelters and eat the leaves of the sassafras or spicebush. Adults consume a variety of nectars, including those from azalea, Japanese honeysuckle, milkweed, and thistle flowers.

Both sexes are thought to be edible mimics of the distasteful Pipevine Swallowtail.

5475142692482759298

5475142687967150978

5475142383184562786

5475142381125840114

5475142375380713810

5475142371408039010

5475142368553496114

5475142158338735522

5475142154613086002

5475142150977385842

5475142150022280818

5475142139284510674