I have only just recently learned to look for and appreciate caterpillars. There are some crazy looking caterpillars out there too! This is one great example:
Pipevine swallowtail caterpillar
Pipevine swallowtails (Battus philenor) are one of many species of caterpillars that use a stinky eversible horn called an osmeterium as a defense against predators. The fact that they are bright yellow against their purple-black bodies makes the osmeteria incredibly striking. What a beautiful animal!
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The Dragonfly Woman 
Such a beauty! It’s paradox that in nature the most beautiful animals are the dangerous one? :)
It certainly seems that that’s the case! Many of the most beautiful insects are quite toxic.
Very cool caterpickle. I’ve often enjoyed caterpickles, but it wasn’t until viewing the slides of Dr. Douglas Tallamy (and then seeing them in his book) that I really appreciated the variety out there. Now I, too, and on the look-out for crazy-looking caterpickles.
There’s such a great variety in caterpillars! And they’re fairly hidden, so it’s fun when you come across one. Glad you enjoy them too!
Looks very cute and Halloweeny to me!
Oooh, pipevine caterpillar would be a GREAT Halloween costume! Thanks for the idea…
Ha! If you actually do it, please put up photos!
Will do! Might be next year’s costume. I think I’m going to be a caddisfly this year. :)
hahahaha, photos!!!
Cool!
Glad you like it!