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Giant Swallowtail
The Giant Swallowtail is the largest butterfly in the US and is found mainly in the southeast. This butterfly is normally about 5 inches+ across.
Giant Swallowtail
While the ventral side is black with a yellowish horizontal line from wing tip to wing tip, the dorsal side is mostly yellow.
Giant Swallowtail eggs
One of the host plants is the Toothache tree, also know as Hercules Club or Southern Prickly Ash.
Giant Swallowtail eggs
Eggs are laid one at a time.
Giant Swallowtail caterpillar
caterpillar (larva)
Giant Swallowtail caterpillar
While caterpillars have no defense, these look like bird droppings so predators avoid them.
Giant Swallowtail caterpillar
This one is large enough to make a chrysalis soon.
Giant Swallowtail caterpillar
A second way to ward off predators it with the osmeterium (same as for the Black Swallowtail.
Osmeterium
The osmeterium are extended and produce a really bad smell that wards of predators.
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