Bugs can be cute

This is a Spicebush Swallowtail caterpillar. Isn't he cute?


They are bright green with numerous blue spots with thin black outlines. Their eyespots are much bigger, with the black part being kind of shiny. They also have two other secondary fake eye spots that are yellow. The bottom half of their bodies are a sort of pinkish color. Viewed from certain angles they look like a small snake, to help scare off predators.

Here's a view of his cute little face.


Before they pupate, Spicebush Swallowtail caterpillars turn a bright yellow color.


This is what the cute little catterpillar grows up to become:

Spicebush Swallowtail - Papilio troilus


The adults have a wingspan of 2.5 - 3.8 inches. Their range is most of the eastern half of the US, except extreme south Florida and Texas.

Source & photos: Butterfly Gardening & Conservation