When disturbed, a Papilio polyxenes swallowtail larva everts its osmeterium, a foul-smelling defensive organ located behind the head. Urbana, Illinois, USA - Alex Wild Photography - Insect Photography

Lepidoptera (butterflies & moths)

is one of the greatest lineages of insects, holding hundreds of thousands of species. Larvae are the planet's predominant herbivores. Adult Lepidopterans can be uniquely recognized by their two pairs of scale-covered wings.

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Hyalophora cecropia, the Cecropia Moth, is North America's largest lepidopteran. This photo shows a mating pair.

Urbana, Illinois, USA

The hatching of a young silkworm Bombyx mori.

Hyalophora cecropia, male antennae

Urbana, Illinois, USA

Hyalophora cecropia silkworm moths mating.

Urbana, Illinois, USA

A pair of Hyalophora cecropia moths mating on the female's empty cocoon.

Urbana, Illinois, USA

When disturbed, a Papilio polyxenes swallowtail larva everts its osmeterium, a foul-smelling defensive organ located behind the head.

Urbana, Illinois, USA

Papilio polyxenes - eastern black swallowtail - caterpillar with defensive osmeterium everted.

Urbana, Illinois, USA

Danaus plexippus - monarch butterfly taking nectar from a fall-blooming aster.

Urbana, Illinois, USA

When disturbed, a Papilio polyxenes swallowtail larva everts its osmeterium, a foul-smelling defensive organ located behind the head.

Urbana, Illinois, USA

Canon EOS 7D |

More details: exif |

Original size: 3312x4818 |

Current: 413x600 |

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Keywords: papilionidae eastern black swallowtail osmeterium swallowtail caterpillar

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Lepidoptera (butterflies & moths)

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