Beta Version - _TNY_4103
Continuing with the different instar stages of the common yellow swallowtail (Papilio machaon), also known as the old world swallowtail, here is a much smaller 2nd instar caterpillar. With it being the second form - it obviously is the Beta version, right?
At this stage their appearance is attempting to mimic bird droppings and seeing them from further away than this, I must say that they do a pretty slick job of it and look decidedly unpalatable.
For a photo of both the 3rd and the 5th (and final) instar stage, have a look here: www.flickr.com/photos/tinyturtle/53089000779/
And for the 4th stage inbetween those other two, look here: www.flickr.com/photos/tinyturtle/53090501387/
Unfortunately, I didn't get a shot of the initial 1st instar stage this year as we didn't visit my mother-in-law early enough in the season so they had just shifted into the second (and a couple already in third) stage when we arrived. Perhaps next year.
In a couple of days I continue my vacation and will return to these and I'm hoping to be able to locate and photograph a chrysalis - and hopefully an adult butterfly or two next season.
Beta Version - _TNY_4103
Continuing with the different instar stages of the common yellow swallowtail (Papilio machaon), also known as the old world swallowtail, here is a much smaller 2nd instar caterpillar. With it being the second form - it obviously is the Beta version, right?
At this stage their appearance is attempting to mimic bird droppings and seeing them from further away than this, I must say that they do a pretty slick job of it and look decidedly unpalatable.
For a photo of both the 3rd and the 5th (and final) instar stage, have a look here: www.flickr.com/photos/tinyturtle/53089000779/
And for the 4th stage inbetween those other two, look here: www.flickr.com/photos/tinyturtle/53090501387/
Unfortunately, I didn't get a shot of the initial 1st instar stage this year as we didn't visit my mother-in-law early enough in the season so they had just shifted into the second (and a couple already in third) stage when we arrived. Perhaps next year.
In a couple of days I continue my vacation and will return to these and I'm hoping to be able to locate and photograph a chrysalis - and hopefully an adult butterfly or two next season.