Caterpillars of Eastern Forests

Orange Dog (Papilio cresphontes) [Giant Swallowtail]

Bird-dropping mimic, dark brown and white, with black marbling, sapphire blue spotting, and shiny body surface. Third thoracic segment swollen and arched, tapering to either end. White lateral collar running from top of head back along lower sides of thorax. White abdominal saddle wrapping down to first abdominal proleg. Pure white rump patch includes anal prolegs. Food: citrus, prickly ashes, and hop tree. Caterpillar: July to October; 3 or more generations in South, 1 or 2 in North.

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