Larval protective coloration in swallowtails from the Florida Keys (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae).

Abstract

Observations of the occurrence of dark and light color patterns in early instar larvae of Papilio species suggest that they may be selected for disruptive coloration, mimicry of bird droppings, or mimicry of lizard droppings, depending upon size of the larval stage and relative occurrence of appropriate models in the species' habitat.