| Latin Name | Observation date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Papilio polytes | January 30 2025 | Buket Alue Puteh, Aceh, Indonesia |
The Papilio polytes caterpillar, which is the larval stage of the lotus butterfly, is an interesting example of insect biodiversity, this species belongs to the papilionidae family and can be found in various regions in the archipelago, this caterpillar undergoes several extraordinary changes in shape throughout its life cycle before finally metamorphosing into a beautiful adult butterfly.
Papilio polytes caterpillars have a quite unique appearance, their body color resembles the color of leaves and this color is very beneficial for Papilio polytes caterpillars because it allows them to camouflage in the surrounding environment from being targeted by predators, a very effective self-defense mechanism from predators, this strategy is what makes Papilio caterpillars Polytes can survive in an environment full of threats from predatory birds and other insects.
Papilio polytes caterpillars are known for their size which is quite large when compared to other caterpillars, their bodies are plump and look smooth and are accompanied by a shiny texture, apart from the green color which helps them blend in with the surrounding environment, these caterpillars also have a unique pattern on the head which is resembling eyes, this pattern gives the illusion that the Papilio polytes caterpillar is a snake which functions to scare away predators, besides that this caterpillar also has an additional self-defense mechanism in the form of an osmeterium (a small horn-shaped organ that can be released when this caterpillar feel threatened).
| Camera used | smartphone |
|---|---|
| Lens | - |
| Photography | Papilio polytes |
| Location | Buket Alue Puteh |
| Photographer | @lightofhope |
| Link to original | community |
|---|---|
| Link | https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/260146440 |
| Latitude Longitude | Map | |
|---|---|---|
| =5.080479 | =97.46383 | https://www.openstreetmap.org/?mlat=5.0804793232&mlon=97.4638302997 |
