This is why I like to pinch caterpillars in their butts.
Yes, you heard me right, but before you judge me, hear me out…
This particular caterpillar, although it sports the same colors as a Monarch caterpillar, happens to be from the species known as the Eastern Black Swallowtail.
Besides eventually turning into a beautiful butterfly, these caterpillars have something else incredible that they can do, which is why I like to pinch them in the butt. Check out the video.
@Papa-pepper pinching caterpillars in their butts.
WHY YOU GOTTA BE PINCHING THEM IN THE BUTTS, PAPA?
The caterpillars of the Eastern Black Swallowtail have a special defense mechanism. Hidden behind their head is an organ called a "osmeteria." This organ is usually bright orange and the caterpillars will use it when they feel threatened. Pinching them in the butt is just one way to "threaten" them.
Here is the pinch...
Here is the osmeteria...
The organ is covered in a type of chemical repellent, so if the sudden appearance of giant, orange tubercles popping out of its neck doesn't freak the predator out, then hopefully the chemicals will.
Obviously, I was having some fun here, but any wild animal can be dangerous. It is important to know what you dealing with, even if you just want to pinch a wild creature in the butt.
You never know what'll pop out!
As always, I'm 
and here's the proof:
proof-of-eastern-black-swallowtail-caterpillar
Until next time…
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