File talk:Unidentified Papilio larva Stratford Butterfly Farm (1).jpg

Authoritative ID please!

This doesn't look much like Papilio demodocus to me. I am not a Lepidopterist, and I realise that caterpillars of the species vary both regionally and as they mature, but could some authoritative Lepidopterist please weigh in and either correct the ID or reassure us all that I am wrong? At the time of my writing this the picture is in use in WP, and if the ID is wrong, that would be most embarrassing, whereas, if it is right, I think we need more photos showing alternative appearances. JonRichfield (talk) 07:59, 23 July 2016 (UTC)

The source identifies it as a "Citrus Swallowtail Caterpillar", which is Papilio demodocus. I assume the photographer got this info from the Stratford Butterfly Farm where the picture was taken. —Bruce1ee^talk 07:55, 24 July 2016 (UTC)

So I see, and I agree, but I happen to live where Papilio demodocus are common, and that larva really looks hopelessly wrong in its head shape, colour, and form of the the thorax for starters. Since I posted the foregoing I have approached several local entomologists, who agreed with me, then another from California responded as follows (helpfully, but not astonishingly):

Keith Wolfe Hi Jon, absolutely NOT Papilio demodocus, but rather most likely P. memnon (eastern Asia) or P. polymnestor (India), both of which are commonly flown in butterfly houses.

I have obtained a few shots of P.d. larvae and pupae and feel justified in uploading them and replacing the photo with appropriate shots wherever it is represented as Papilio demodocus, and editing the WM entry accordingly. JonRichfield (talk) 12:47, 24 July 2016 (UTC)

I have done some editing and put through a rename request, but have apparently omitted something, because it says "unknown person" asked for the rename. I don't mind that, but it was not intended as an anonymous request. Bruce1ee, I see that you put in the other language descriptions. I apologise for causing a nuisance, but you might wish to adjust them accordingly. JonRichfield (talk) 18:44, 24 July 2016 (UTC)

No problem. I'm no expert in butterfly larvae, so I'll rely on your expertise. Regarding updating the other language descriptions, I'd rather leave that to someone proficient in those laguages. Thanks. —Bruce1ee^talk 06:53, 25 July 2016 (UTC)