Spicebush Swallowtail Pre-Chrysalis by karmahof

Spicebush Swallowtail Pre-Chrysalis

Spicebush Swallowtail Caterpillar

This is the little green guy with the fake eyes from a few days ago. Shortly before they are ready to pupate, they purge their insides and turn from green to a yellowish orange.

The attach themselves to a branch or stem by spinning a small silk pad weaving a strong silk loop (called a girdle) around their middle. Then they anchor their rear end to the pad, hanging head-up or sideways as it sheds its final skin to become a chrysalis.

By tomorrow he should shed his final skin and we should have a chrysalis!

Caterpillar Hosts: Spicebush (Lindera benzoin), Sassafras (Sassafras albidum)
Their life cycle is amazing. Thanks for the details. Great photo.
August 9th, 2026  
Welcome to the Project, Karen!
I look forward to seeing your butterfly photos in all of the stages of metamorphosis they go through!
August 9th, 2026  
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