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

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 - larva

Urbana, Illinois, USA
Papilio polyxenes - eastern black swallowtail - larva

Urbana, Illinois, USA
Papilio glaucus - Eastern Tiger Swallowtail feeding from bergamot in an Illinois prairie.

Urbana, Illinois, USA
Papilio glaucus - Eastern Tiger Swallowtail.

Urbana, Illinois, USA
Battus philenor - Pipevine Swallowtail, pupa.

Tucson, Arizona, USA
Papilio polyxenes - eastern black swallowtail - caterpillar with defensive osmeterium everted.

Urbana, Illinois, USA
Papilio polyxenes - eastern black swallowtail - caterpillar with defensive osmeterium everted.

Urbana, Illinois, USA
Papilio polyxenes - eastern black swallowtail - caterpillar with defensive osmeterium everted.

Urbana, Illinois, USA
See photo in original gallery.
all images and text © Alex Wild 2001-2013