Pissed off catepillar
This year has been a challenge for us to capture and raise swallowtail butterflies because they arrived earlier this year and they would be emerging when we were on vacation. We only captured a few and gave them away to be set free. The remaining ones will stay in the planters on our back porch. They should be fairly safe. We’ve had several Monarch’s, but no signs of eggs or caterpillars 
This guy was munching away and by the time I got back with my camera, he was ‘resting’. I set the camera up and gently prodded it to provoke it. When they are scared, their ‘horns’ emerge and they give off a horrendous smell. Did I mention the smell was horrendous? It’s actually worse than horrendous. It’s terrible. Even outside!
unhappy swallowtail catepillar
8 Responses to “Pissed off catepillar”
Photography links
http://www.coolphotoblogs.com/archive
Categories
All content © 2012 by wayne woodruff photography
I had NO IDEA about those horns. How fascinating. And smelly. I haven’t seen Monarchs this year at all.
Evidently, different caterpillars have different defense mechanisms (some spit acid!!). We’ve had a few Monarchs visit, but no eggs or caterpillars
Oh man! What a gorgeous macro! I had no idea about the, er, aroma they emit when frightened. Must remember to not piss one off eh?
You might want to figure out which type of caterpillar you have before you set it off. Some just change their physical characteristics (color or size) to fend off predators.
It’s amazing, funny and beautiful! Great macro.
Thanks Marilla (I can finally respond individually to comments like you do!)
I’m happy to say that last night, my wife found 3 new eggs, so I might be able to salvage this year after all!
«Louis» did not know this about those caterpillars. He’ll take your word for it about the smell…
awesome macro – i love this little guy! wonderful details.