Wisconsin Native Caterpillars
Giant Swallowtail Caterpillar
Genus-Species: Papilio cresphontes
Description: Larvae strongly resemble bird droppings.
Exact patterns change as caterpillars molt and grow, but they retain the basic brown with
cream-and-white patches coloration. Fully grown caterpillars look like small brown snakes
when viewed head-on.
Chrysalis: Crusty brown. Resembles a broken twig.
Host Plants: Prickly ash (Zanthoxylum americanum)
and Hoptree (Ptelea trifoliata)
Habitat: Woodlands and open areas near woodlands,
where the larval host plant, Prickly Ash, is found.
Comments: The Giant Swallowtail is an uncommon
stray in most parts of Wisconsin.