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Found this cool looking catterpilar living on a citrus (lemon) plant in Brisbane.

I think its from a tropical butterfly species - does anyone know which one?

Cheers
Steve

Steve, We get them on out citrus trees here in NSW, too. It is the larva of a Papilio aegeus, the orchard or citrus swallowtail butterfly.

When they are very small, they look like bird poo: http://andrewtrevor-jones.com/P_aegeus_Glenbrook07.html and then as they get larger they look like the one in your photos. If you touch it, it will stick out a red osmeterium from behind the head.

Andrew - that was quick! Thanks for the info

My 3yo daughter and I recently kept some of those from tiny caterpillars to cocoons to butterflies. I wish I still had some now that I have my 105 macro!

Critter wrote:My 3yo daughter and I recently kept some of those from tiny caterpillars to cocoons to butterflies. I wish I still had some now that I have my 105 macro!

These were taken with my 105mm macro lens