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Who is this strange monster?
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Why is it eating pipevine? (aka Southwestern Pipevine) |
Could it be the Pipevine Swallowtail caterpillar? In fact, it is. I was in the canyon today with my own personal photographer and spouse, Matt Ball; instead of getting a photo of the pipevine 'flower' (which Carol and I saw on Tuesday), he 'shot' this great critter - not quite an inch long, red and moist looking, with some amazing protuberances.
I got to see 2 of these little guys today and they are indeed very strange - but so is the plant (low-growing long, pointy purple and green leaves) and its matching purple and green lady's slipper-looking flowers. Add in the fact that all are toxic to critters and you have quite a package. Carol T
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