Identification, Images, & Information
For Insects, Spiders & Their Kin
For the United States & Canada
Photo#1143795
Ohio Caterpillar - Papilio polyxenes

Ohio Caterpillar - Papilio polyxenes
Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio, USA
September 15, 2015

Black ones are not as common
in most regions as the green ones. They all start out black (with light markings) when they hatch, but as they grow, they usually become predominantly of a light color like green, yellowish, tan or white with the black limited to stripes. This one is just about as dark as they can be. Dark ones like this are commonly seen in the Southwest, but they can pop up almost anywhere.

Moved from ID Request.

Black swallowtail
Papilio polyxenes - 5th instar