Mixed Swallowtail Caterpillars Papilio spp.
The caterpillar of many swallowtail butterflies has two distinct phases. The early instars are shiny brown and white
to mimic bird droppings and the later instars are green to blend with leaves and look like small snakes, - both phases designed
for protection from predators. Above is the first (bird poop) phase. Some also have spikes.
A white "V" shape in the centre is the Asian Lime/Citrus Swallowtail.
A Common or Scarlet Mormon caterpillar (above centre only) with netted white centre.
A flatter white bar in the centre; slight trident shape, also Asian Lime.
Many caterpillars of Mormon and Citrus Swallowtails look similar. Above left is the Asian Lime Swallowtail; above centre
and right are the tiny earliest instars of the African Lime Swallowtail.
Larger African Lime/Citrus Swallowtail caterpillars.
Links:
Great Yellow Mormon Caterpillar 1
Great Yellow Mormon Caterpillar 2
Great Yellow Mormon Caterpillar 3
African Citrus Swallowtail
Common/Asian Lime Swallowtail