10/31/2026
Today is a day for disguises for people…and for insects!
Our Land and Conservation Coordinator, Paul, spotted these awesome Giant Swallowtail caterpillars behind our visitor center. You can definitely see why these caterpillars are often called bird p**p caterpillars!
This clever form of camouflage helps keep them from becoming a bird’s next snack.
These caterpillars also have another line of defense. If disturbed, they reveal a special, fleshy, Y-shaped organ called an osmeterium. This organ resembles a snake’s forked tongue and may help scare off potential attackers. It also releases a strong, foul-smelling secretion to repel insect predators. Pretty amazing!
If you’d like to see these bird p**p beauties turn into gorgeous Giant Swallowtails in your own space, try planting native host plants like lime prickly ash (pictured here) or wafer ash.
Happy Halloween! 🦋🐛
