Giant Swallowtail caterpillars

Giant Swallowtail caterpillars are only about 2-3 mm when they first hatch. These tiny little creatures grow to eventually become a beautiful black and yellow butterfly with a 6 inch wingspan. 

Hatchling caterpillars eat their egg shell right after hatching before starting to feed on citrus leaves. 

They aren't picky about which citrus you give them either. They will happily switch from lemon to lime, orange and then lemon again.

When disturbed, giant swallowtail caterpillars raise up and extend a pair of red and white horns "don't touch me!"

Their main defence, however, is camouflage. The bigger they get, the more they resemble a fat bird dropping. 

Ready to pupate, swallowtail caterpillars pupate upright usually on a vertical surface although I have a couple that have chosen horizontal surfaces. They create a silk "sling" to support their upper body as well as attaching their tail end firmly.