What Is It?

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From Xplor: July/August 2020
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  • My eyes make me look like a snake.
  • These spots are just some of my fakes.
  • I hide in plain sight with the greatest of ease.
  • Then I grow up to fly in the trees.

The spicebush swallowtail caterpillar is a master of disguise. It goes through five phases before it becomes a chrysalis. In early phases, it looks like bird poop. In the last phase, it resembles a snake — first green then orange — with bold eyespots. These disguises may help protect it from predators. As adult butterflies, spicebush swallowtails live in the forest. They lay their eggs on the leaves of spicebushes and other shrubs and trees. Learn more at mdc.mo.gov/field-guide.

Looking for more ways to have fun outside? Find out about Discover Nature programs in your area at mdc.mo.gov/events.

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American Bumblebee
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Plants and animals team up to keep nature abounding with blooms.
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Black-Necked Stilt
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Learn to spot these summer visitors when you’re at the lake or on a float trip.

This Issue's Staff

Bonnie Chasteen
Les Fortenberry
Angie Daly Morfeld
Noppadol Paothong
Marci Porter
Mark Raithel
Laura Scheuler
Matt Seek
David Stonner
Stephanie Thurber
Cliff White