Leaf of Woolly Pipevine (Aristolochia
tomentosa)
(scroll down to see caterpillar)
Caterpillar of Pipevine Swallowtail (Battus
philenor)
(light form)
The caterpillars of pipevine swallowtail can exist in two forms,
a reddish light colored form and a nearly black dark form. The
variation is thought to be a product of how much sun the caterpillars
are exposed to. Bright light makes them turn red and if they are in
the shade, they will become dark. Incidentally, this caterpillar is
eating a non-native species of pipevine (Aristolochia fimbriata
), which is a native of Argentina, but grows well here at the
gardens.
Text by Charles Crauford
Scans by Charles Crauford and Melanie Marshall
