"Yesterday I found a sapling sassafras with at least a dozen spicebush swallowtail (Papilio troilus) caterpillars on it in all different instars [stages of development]," writes insect expert David Moskowitz in sharing these photos with us from Cape May, New Jersey. "The false eyes of these caterpillars change dramatically between instars and are fantastic. Here they are from what is probably the 2nd instar through the 5th instar. Enjoy!"
Spicebush swallowtail caterpillar photos shared with The Naturalist's Notebook by David Moskowitz
Have you ever seen this type of caterpillar? Many thanks to David. You can find more of his insect photos, expertise and enthusiasm at https://www.facebook.com/BugAddictionConfessionsOfABugAddi…/.