Giant Swallowtail, Papilio cresphontes <LEP5>

This is the largest butterfly in North America, reaching almost 6 inches across. The huge, saddled caterpillar, known as the Orange Dog, feeds on citrus. It resembles the dropping of a bird, so that predators usually avoid it. The wings are mostly black with yellow bands above, yellow with black bands below. Both sides have an orange spot near the tip of the body, with blue crescents. Two Giants are shown feeding on the nectar of lilac.