The Spicebush Swallowtail Butterfly Caterpillar is the larva form of… wait for it… the Spicebush Swallowtail Butterfly! He likes to eat Spicebush (surprise!). When he’s little, he’s all brown and white splotchy and looks like bird droppings. After he molts a couple of times he looks like this. It is a form of protection called Mimicry. He will hide his body under leaves with only his front end and False Eyes showing. If a predator gets too close he will stick out his Osmeterium that looks like a snake’s tongue and can emit a very foul smell.

Swallowtail Caterpillars will spend the winter in their chrysalis in leaf litter, ready to emerge as a butterfly in the spring. Help to preserve their numbers and save their lives by opting to compost your fall leaves rather than burning them. Swallowtail butterflies are large and beautiful and easily recognizable, though, in my opinion, not nearly as interesting as their caterpillar form.

Crochet Terms: American
Language: English
Finished Size: 30” long, 23” around at widest point
In-line color changes: none
Skill Level: novice
Shaping: some
Sewing: extensive
No. of Pages: 12
No. of Images: 24
Also includes: Alternative color suggestions, hidden osmeterium pocket

This pattern uses both #2 and #4 weight yarn and 2 sizes of crochet hooks. It is also recommended that you use clear fishing line for shaping. A complete materials list and stitches list can be found here: http://www.jennawingatedesigns.com/2018/08/spicebush-swal...

Pattern is written and arranged for ease of following and natural eye-movement. These are simple stitches, but this is a time-consuming pattern due to the many details involved. I recommend that you read all pattern notes and follow the pattern in order so you won’t run into any problems. Crochet help is available through Email.

Pattern Usage
You are welcome to sell finished items made from this pattern. If you do so online, please link to the website and give designer credit. Please do not reproduce, share, sell, or ‘borrow from’ this pattern in whole or in part, including all text or images. If you intend to offer items made to order from any of my patterns, please do not use my images to advertise. Your customers will want to see the quality of work YOU do, not the quality of work I do. Above all, your honesty is appreciated and allows designers to continue doing what they do. Please email only if you have any questions. No other form of communication is as reliable as email. Thanks!