The mature caterpillar is 2 1/8 to 2 3/8 inches in length and lumpy in appearance. It has a dark brown face with a white slash mark wrapped around it. Sometimes red scent horns are visible protruding from the head. The rest of the body is marked with alternating brown and white blotches making the caterpillar resemble a large bird dropping.
These caterpillars are uncommonly seen on their host plant, Prickly Ash, a member of the citrus family. They have been photographed in late summer and early fall along the Stream Trail in Fontenelle Forest.
Another name for the caterpillar is Orange Dog, as it is considered a pest in orange groves. The Giant Swallowtail butterfly has a 4 – 5 wingspan. It is black with broad yellow bands across the dorsal side of the forewings and around the hindwings. The long black tails have a large, yellow spot in the center. The underside of the wings are yellow with black veins and borders.
Disclaimer: The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Roland Barth.