Name This Bug

This Creature is Now Identified

We found this caterpillar in our back yard. Because of it's rather unusual looks, I took some photos of it.

We have been told that this caterpillar will become a butterfly, and is probably a Red-Spotted Purple or a White Admiral, and possibly a Viceroy (although it is less likely a Viceroy at this latitude - in Calgary, Alberta, Canada). Apparently the caterpillars of these three butterflies are almost identical.

I have also read that these caterpillars look like bird droppings to deter birds from eating them.

If you have more information on this, please let us know through our Contact Us page.

Jim McGinn

 

Click here for smaller photos.

 

Caterpillar - Top View

 

Caterpillar - Side View

 

This is the head:

Caterpillar - Head

 

This is the rear end:

Caterpillar - Rear End

 

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