Old World Swallowtail Caterpillar
Papilio machaon (caterpillar)
Found on milk-parsley, fennel, dill, and other umbellifers in sunny meadows, wetlands, gardens, and field edges. This larva feeds steadily on leaves and rests exposed on stems, relying on bold warning colors as it grows. When disturbed, it can evert a forked orange osmeterium that releases a strong foul smell. Its green-and-black pattern changes through molts, helping it shift from bird-dropping mimicry when young to warning display when larger.
- Type
- Venom
- Conservation status
- NE
Growth chain
- Old World Swallowtail Caterpillar
- Old World Swallowtail Chrysalis
- Old World Swallowtail