Papilio Cresphontes Caterpillar

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The largest butterfly in North America is the giant swallowtail (Papilio cresphontes). Abundant populations of it exist throughout many parts of eastern North America; however, western North America populations are now classified separately as a different species, Papilio rumiko, along with those found in Panama. While its striking appearance makes it highly valued in gardens, its caterpillar stage poses a significant threat to citrus farms, earning the name orange dog or orange puppy for these pests. Giant swallowtail caterpillars boast remarkable camouflage abilities by closely mimicking bird droppings to evade predators like wasps, flies, and vertebrates. To add an extra layer of defense against these predators, they also utilize their osmeteria.