Vicky Stein (agentredsquirrel) @vicky.science · Jul 9

Hi can I show you another bug?!! It's possible that it's the same bug from before but this time it does a WEIRD THING (I think this is an anise swallowtail butterfly caterpillar, Papilio zelicaon, on a Kellogg's yampah, Perideridia kelloggii.)

134 likes 7 replies

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Replies

Monica V · Jul 10

Thanks for posting- holy moley! Little caterpillar devil horns.

uncharismatic minifauna · Jul 10

HELL YEAH

Vicky Stein (agentredsquirrel) · Jul 9

The little orange "snake tongue" that pops out when I get close is called an osmeterium! It's a special defensive organ that swallowtail caterpillars use to spook potential predators. It uh, didn't work on me. Instead of scaring me off I found it VERY CHARMING look how cute, please clap

Susan MacDonald 🇨🇦 · Jul 10

Cute little 😛!

Papaya Chemist · Jul 11

IT'S SO CUTE 😍

Myrea Rend · Jul 11

I believe this is a shiny Caterpie.