Subject: Caterpillar
Location: southern ontario
August 25, 2015 6:41 pm
thought this might be a eastern swallowtail tiger but it’s black. Any help much appreciated.
Signature: Susan
Dear Susan,
We cannot begin to speculate if this is an Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Caterpillar or a Canadian Tiger Swallowtail Caterpillar, and we suspect DNA analysis might be needed to determine its exact taxonomy. Tiger Swallowtail Caterpillars often change from green to orange or purple as they are getting ready to transform into a chrysalis, and they also leave the trees whose leaves they were feeding upon in search of an ideal location for pupation. In light of the variation in color of Tiger Swallowtails, from light to dark and in between, and even more strangely because of the presence of gynandromorphs, the correct term for an hermaphrodite, we can’t help but to wonder if the especially dark coloration of your individual might lead to a variation in the adult Tiger Swallowtail.
A duplicate sighting
Subject: Caterpillar
Location: MacTier, Ontario, Canada
August 25, 2015 10:19 am
Found this caterpillar on the greens at Rocky Crest Golf Course in MacTier, Ontario (CANADA). Would like to know what it is. Thanks.
Signature: Tricia McLelland
Dear Tricia,
This exact image was submitted by Susan and we responded.
Funny, as it was me who discovered it and took the photo. I have no idea who Susan is. Thanks.