Papilio bairdi ovum development

This picture demonstrates the development of Papilio bairdi ovum.  Similar to other species in the swallowtail machaon group, a baird's swallowtail egg is yellowish when laid.  If fertile, the egg will start to show subtle rings and then darken significantly right before hatching.

P. bairdi ova

Papilio machaon bairdi ovum

This particular egg was parasitized and never hatched.

Papilio machaon bairdi first instar caterpillar

Papilio machaon bairdi first instar caterpillar

Close up photo.

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Papilio machaon bairdi third instar larva

Larva set to go fourth instar.  Photo courtesy Nicky Davis.

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Papilio machaon bairdi fourth instar

Larvae feed on Artemisia dracunculus.

Papilio machaon bairdi fifth instar larva

Papilio machaon bairdi fifth instar caterpillar

Note orange dots on the segments of the larva.  These dots are yellow on the previous photo and on the next photo.  The color of the dots don't appear to have any correlation as to whether the adult emerges from "bairdi" or form "brucei".

Papilio machaon bairdi fifth instar caterpillar

Papilio machaon bairdi pupa

Form brucei adult is forming inside this chrysalis.  Photo courtesy Nicky Davis.