The polydamas, also known as the gold rim swallowtail, tailless swallowtail and scientific name Battus polydamas lucayus, lays its eggs on the Dutchman pipe. The three Dutchman pipe plants have tons of caterpillars once again.

The caterpillar will go through four instars, 19 to 24 days, before it’s ready to form its chrysalis. The caterpillars are mostly dark purple brown with orange tubercles, but can come in a lighter version as well. They have a black head, prothorax top is orange and short dark stripes.Each time it molts its skin, the caterpillar will consume its exoskeleton to conserve the nutrients.

The polydamas swallowtail caterpillars feed in groups when they are small, devouring the youngest leaves, as well as flowers before moving onto the older portions of the Dutchman pipe. The caterpillars grow up to 2.1″ in length. Caterpillars can be found throughout the year in southern Florida.