Metamorphosis

Pipevine Swallowtail, male; photo by Ned Harris, male

Egg, larva, pupa, adult. That's the drill for complete metamorphosis; both types explained here very simply (just the way I like it). Pipevine swallowtail larva (caterpillars) look like this and eat the pipevine plant. Then they pupate and turn into these beauties. Wow. That's metamorphosis for you! Come on a nature walk and Fred can tell you more about this process, and Ned can let you know how he identified the one above as a male. (Alas, it's not stamped on the bottom as I hoped.) Wednesdays, 8.30am, meet in front of the visitor center. Only until the end of April, though (then Ned and co. will lead walks on Mount Lemmon. Details on those to follow).