Spicebush Swallowtail caterpillars
1st instar caterpillar that just emerged from the egg... which it then eats
2nd or 3rd instar (2nd, 3rd and 4th instars all look similar except for increased size)
5th instar green phase
5th instar... the caterpillar turns yellow just prior to pupating
Spicebush Swallowtail Chrysalis
---------- Post added 10-12-18 at 11:08 PM ----------
One of my summertime "hobbies" is collecting swallowtail eggs, raising the caterpillars, and releasing the adult butterflies.
These are images of battus philenor, the Pipevine Swallowtail
Pipevine Swallowtails mating
Adult female ovipositing on pipevine 'aristolochia contorta'
Pipevine Swallowtail caterpillars... they feed in herds
Pipevine Swallowtail chrysalids
From August... a group of Pipevines that eclosed one morning