Our giant swallowtail caterpillar looks as if it is in the final larval instar, number five. It is said that the head of the caterpillar looks like a snake head.

Once it is ready to pupate, it will do so on small twigs, or find a place that has a vertical structure, as it creates its chrysalis at a 45 degree angle. It will be interesting to see where it makes its chrysalis in the butterfly house.

I first brought it in to our butterfly house on Aug. 29.