What’s Black and White and Red, Just Not All Over

Photo Information

Taken:	12 May 2007 15:34 on a Hiking Trail at Inks Lake State Park
Camera:	Cannon Rebel XT / EF-S 18-55mm lens
Exposure:	ISO 100
	6.3mm, 0 EV
	f2.8
	1/240

Backstory

I spotted this little feller while hiking at Inks Lake State Park. It was making good time across the rocks of the hiking path.

I’m not sure what kind of caterpillar it is. The closest picture I could find wash’t an exact match and was asking for help identifying the critter. The closest identified match was a Black Swallowtail butterfly caterpillar, but that guy has yellow spots, not red.

Some caterpillars change colors at pupation. Individual differences? A space caterpillar from another planet? If you have a clue, please leave a comment.

–1 April 2012