Dereila Nature Inn - Woodlands Pathway - Butterflies and Moths: Anise Swallowtail Butterflies

Anise Swallowtail Butterflies

The Anise Swallowtail Butterfly, Papilio zelicaon, is common in Western North America. If you're fortunate enough to discover this butterfly's eggs, go back frequently to the spot as you may have the opportunity to observe the various stages of larvae and emerging caterpillars.

As the caterpillars eat and grow they need to shed their exoskeleton, similar to snakes and crabs.
Each time time do, they emerge as a different looking animal.

In the left image you can see two larvae. The top one is called the first instar (stage) larvae and the bottom one is the second instar larvae. The image to the right shows the second instar larvae.

This is the fifth instar.

And what emerges in the end?

Move your mouse over the question marks below to reveal the Anise Swallowtail in all its glory.