15 Remarkable Types of Caterpillars and What They Become
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Zebra Longwing Butterfly Caterpillar
A black spiked zebra longwing caterpillar on a green leaf
DeadEyeArrow / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
These formidable-looking caterpillars feed on the leaves of several species of passion flower (Passiflora). But this dietary preference isn't just about nutrition; it's also about predator protection. Passion flower contains toxic, bitter-tasting psychoactive alkaloids.9 By munching these plants, zebra longwing caterpillars become foul-tasting and toxic, too—an idea that's visually reinforced via their black spots and long black spines.
These imposing creatures are common throughout Central America, Mexico, Florida, and Texas and eventually transform into alluring butterflies known for their long, narrow wings adorned with black and pale yellow stripes.
A brown and yellow striped zebra longwing butterfly on a white daisy plant
Zebra longwing butterfly. Judy Gallagher / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
of 10
Zebra Longwing Butterfly Caterpillar
A black spiked zebra longwing caterpillar on a green leaf
DeadEyeArrow / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
These formidable-looking caterpillars feed on the leaves of several species of passion flower (Passiflora). But this dietary preference isn't just about nutrition; it's also about predator protection. Passion flower contains toxic, bitter-tasting psychoactive alkaloids.9 By munching these plants, zebra longwing caterpillars become foul-tasting and toxic, too—an idea that's visually reinforced via their black spots and long black spines.
These imposing creatures are common throughout Central America, Mexico, Florida, and Texas and eventually transform into alluring butterflies known for their long, narrow wings adorned with black and pale yellow stripes.
A brown and yellow striped zebra longwing butterfly on a white daisy plant
Zebra longwing butterfly. Judy Gallagher / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
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11 December 2022
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