Masters of Camouflage - 2 Larvae of Western Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio rutulus).
Third instar, about 1 inch long, on willow (Salix spp.). Notice that the the texture and color of the larvae are an exact match with the willow leaves. Also, the yellow markings on the larvae resemble the veins and blemishes on the leaves. It's truly wondrous. No wonder it's so difficult to find these in the wild. From ova reared in captivity, Corona, California.
Third instar, about 1 inch long, on willow (Salix spp.). Notice that the the texture and color of the larvae are an exact match with the willow leaves. Also, the yellow markings on the larvae resemble the veins and blemishes on the leaves. It's truly wondrous. No wonder it's so difficult to find these in the wild. From ova reared in captivity, Corona, California.