Caterpillars that look like snakes are among nature’s most fascinating masters of disguise. These unique larvae have evolved remarkable adaptations that make them resemble small serpents, helping them avoid predators in the wild. With features like false eye spots, swollen body segments, and defensive postures, caterpillars that look like snakes can startle birds, reptiles, and other threats, giving them a crucial survival advantage.
Many caterpillars that look like snakes belong to the swallowtail and sphinx moth families, which are known for their intricate mimicry. Some have bold patterns that resemble snake scales, while others inflate their bodies to enhance their reptilian appearance. This illusion is often paired with defensive behaviors such as rearing up or extending an osmeterium—an organ that emits a foul smell to deter attackers.
In this article, we’ll explore 20 incredible caterpillars that look like snakes, showcasing their unique adaptations and the plants they rely on for survival. Each of these species demonstrates the power of mimicry in the insect world, proving that even the tiniest creatures can employ extraordinary tactics to thrive.
Different Types of Caterpillars That Look Like Snakes
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Caterpillar (Papilio glaucus)
The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Caterpillar undergoes a striking transformation as it matures. When young, it is brown with a white saddle-like marking on its abdomen, resembling bird droppings for camouflage. As it grows, the caterpillar turns vibrant green, with a swollen thorax and a pair of large, black and orange false eye spots that make it look like a snake’s head. This illusion helps deter predators by mimicking a larger and more threatening animal.
To enhance its snake-like appearance, this caterpillar rests on a silk pad while the leaf edges curl around it, creating a concealed shelter. When disturbed, it pulls its head back, puffing up its thorax to make the eye spots more prominent. This defensive posture can startle potential predators, tricking them into believing they are facing a small snake.
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Caterpillars primarily feed on the leaves of various host plants, including tulip trees (Liriodendron tulipifera), sweet bay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana), and wild cherry (Prunus serotina). They prefer broad-leaved trees in deciduous forests, gardens, and parklands. Once they reach maturity, they pupate and eventually transform into large, yellow-and-black-striped butterflies.
Spicebush Swallowtail Caterpillar (Papilio troilus)
The Spicebush Swallowtail Caterpillar starts its life mimicking bird droppings, a clever disguise that helps it avoid predators. As it grows, it transforms into a bright green caterpillar with large, yellow-rimmed black eye spots that resemble a snake’s head. This striking feature is designed to intimidate birds and other threats by making the caterpillar appear as a small reptile rather than an easy meal.
This species enhances its deception by exhibiting defensive behavior when startled. It retracts its head, causing the thorax to swell and make the fake eye spots more prominent. Additionally, the caterpillar is nocturnal, spending its days wrapped inside rolled-up leaves to avoid detection. When it does move, it does so cautiously, further enhancing its snake-like illusion.
The primary host plants for the Spicebush Swallowtail Caterpillar include spicebush (Lindera benzoin) and sassafras (Sassafras albidum). These plants are commonly found in woodlands and wetlands across the eastern United States. After reaching full size, the caterpillar forms a chrysalis, blending into its surroundings by turning either green or brown, depending on the season.
Tersa Sphinx Caterpillar (Xylophanes tersa)
The Tersa Sphinx Caterpillar is known for its strikingly realistic snake mimicry. It has a cylindrical body with a range of color variations, from light green to deep brown, and features prominent eye spots along its body. These eye spots, particularly on the first abdominal segment, give it the appearance of a snake’s head. Some individuals even develop dark, dramatic patterns that further enhance this illusion.
When disturbed, the caterpillar stiffens its body and withdraws its actual head, causing the swollen thoracic region and false eye spots to appear more threatening. This defensive posture is highly effective in deterring predators such as birds and small mammals. The caterpillar also has a distinctive rear horn, a feature common to sphinx moth larvae, though it is harmless.
Tersa Sphinx Caterpillars primarily feed on the leaves of various host plants, including wild coffee (Psychotria spp.), buttonplant (Spermacoce spp.), and milkweed (Asclepias spp.). They are found in gardens, grasslands, and open woodlands, where they eventually burrow into the soil to pupate before emerging as sleek, fast-flying moths.
Great Orange-tip Caterpillar (Hebomoia glaucippe)
The Great Orange-tip Caterpillar is a master of mimicry, resembling a vine snake both in color and posture. It has a dark green body adorned with blue stripes and small red spots. These markings, along with its tapered body shape, make it look eerily similar to a small green snake. When agitated, it lifts the front part of its body and inflates segments near its head to amplify the illusion.
This caterpillar has another fascinating defense mechanism—it can secrete a green, foul-smelling fluid when disturbed. This secretion, along with its sudden snake-like movements, effectively deters predators like birds and lizards. Its ability to change posture rapidly and its deceptive coloration make it one of the most convincing snake-mimicking caterpillars.
Great Orange-tip Caterpillars primarily feed on plants from the caper family (Capparaceae), such as Capparis and Crataeva species. They are commonly found in tropical and subtropical forests throughout Southeast Asia and India. Once mature, they pupate into striking butterflies with white wings and vivid orange wingtips.
Giant Swallowtail Caterpillar (Papilio cresphontes)
The Giant Swallowtail Caterpillar begins life as a near-perfect imitation of bird droppings, with its brown body speckled with white patches. This camouflage protects it from predators in its early stages. As it matures, it retains its brown-and-cream pattern but develops a slightly swollen head with subtle eye spots that create a snake-like effect when viewed from certain angles.
A unique defense mechanism of this caterpillar is its osmeterium—a fleshy, Y-shaped organ that it extends when threatened. This organ emits a strong, unpleasant odor, mimicking the forked tongue of a snake. Combined with its cryptic coloration and subtle eye spots, the osmeterium helps the caterpillar deter potential threats effectively.
Giant Swallowtail Caterpillars primarily feed on the leaves of citrus plants, including orange, lemon, and lime trees (Citrus spp.), earning them the nickname “orange dog.” They are found in orchards, gardens, and forests across North America. Once fully developed, they form a chrysalis that blends into the bark or branches of their host plant, eventually emerging as the largest butterfly species in North America.
Gaudy Sphinx Caterpillar (Eumorpha labruscae)
The Gaudy Sphinx Caterpillar is an eye-catching species with vibrant coloration and unique markings. It comes in a variety of shades, including green, brown, and reddish forms, often featuring intricate stripes and large false eye spots along its body. These markings help it blend into its environment or appear more intimidating to predators. Some variations even develop a snake-like appearance, with an enlarged thorax mimicking the head of a small reptile.
When threatened, the caterpillar arches its body and retracts its head, making the false eye spots more prominent. This defensive posture, combined with its bold markings, can startle potential predators like birds and small mammals. Additionally, it has a small horn at the rear, a common characteristic among sphinx moth larvae, though it is harmless.
Gaudy Sphinx Caterpillars primarily feed on the leaves of grapevines (Vitis spp.) and other related plants, such as Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia). They are commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, including forests, gardens, and vineyards. When fully grown, they burrow into the soil to pupate, later emerging as strikingly patterned moths with pink and green hues.
Silver-spotted Skipper Caterpillar (Epargyreus clarus)
The Silver-spotted Skipper Caterpillar is a distinctive larva with a bright yellow-green body and an oversized, reddish-brown head. A unique feature of this species is the pair of large, false black eyes on its head, which help deter predators. The caterpillar also has a constricted neck-like area behind its head, giving it a slightly snake-like appearance when viewed from certain angles.
Unlike some caterpillars that rely purely on camouflage, the Silver-spotted Skipper Caterpillar is a master of concealment. It constructs a shelter by cutting and folding leaves together with silk, creating a safe retreat from predators. When disturbed, it may thrash its body or retreat quickly into its leaf shelter to avoid detection.
This caterpillar primarily feeds on plants in the legume family, including black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) and wisteria (Wisteria spp.). It is commonly found in open woodlands, fields, and gardens across North America. After reaching maturity, it forms a chrysalis within a silk cocoon, eventually emerging as a swift, agile butterfly with distinctive silver patches on its wings.
Two-tailed Swallowtail Caterpillar (Papilio multicaudata)
The Two-tailed Swallowtail Caterpillar undergoes a remarkable transformation as it grows. Young larvae start out resembling bird droppings, which helps them avoid predation. As they mature, they turn bright green with subtle blue and yellow markings. The most striking feature is their large, yellow-rimmed false eye spots, which give them a strong resemblance to a small snake’s head.
When threatened, the caterpillar employs a classic defensive strategy by retracting its real head and inflating the thoracic region to accentuate the eye spots. This makes it appear larger and more intimidating. Additionally, like other swallowtail caterpillars, it has an osmeterium—a forked, fleshy organ that it extends when disturbed. This organ releases a foul-smelling chemical to ward off potential threats.
Two-tailed Swallowtail Caterpillars feed on a variety of host plants, including ash (Fraxinus spp.), chokecherry (Prunus virginiana), and hoptree (Ptelea trifoliata). They are widespread across western North America, thriving in forests, canyons, and urban gardens. Once they pupate, they transform into large, striking yellow-and-black butterflies with distinctive twin tails on each hindwing.
Palamedes Swallowtail Caterpillar (Papilio palamedes)
The Palamedes Swallowtail Caterpillar is an expert in mimicry, with a bright green body that mimics the coloration of leaves. Its most notable feature is the pair of large, blue-and-black false eye spots on its thorax, which resemble the eyes of a small snake. This illusion helps scare off potential predators like birds and lizards.
During the day, the caterpillar often rests on leaves, blending seamlessly with its surroundings. When disturbed, it withdraws its real head, inflating the front portion of its body to enhance the snake-like illusion. In addition, it can extend its osmeterium, a Y-shaped organ that releases an unpleasant odor to deter attackers.
Palamedes Swallowtail Caterpillars primarily feed on redbay (Persea borbonia) and swamp bay (Persea palustris), both of which are native to southeastern wetlands of the United States. They thrive in swamps, forests, and coastal areas. Once fully grown, they form a chrysalis that blends into the surrounding vegetation, eventually emerging as large, dark-colored butterflies with elegant yellow markings.
Abbott’s Sphinx Caterpillar (Sphecodina abbottii)
The Abbott’s Sphinx Caterpillar is a fascinating species that displays extreme snake mimicry. It has a plump, brownish-green body covered in irregular markings, often resembling a small snake when viewed from above. Some individuals have patterns that look like snake scales, further enhancing the illusion. A distinct feature is its retractable thoracic segment, which can expand to expose a pair of large, dark eye spots.
When startled, the caterpillar arches its body, tucks in its head, and inflates its thoracic region to mimic the appearance of a coiled snake. This behavior can be highly effective in scaring off birds and small predators. Unlike many other sphinx moth caterpillars, Abbott’s Sphinx lacks the usual rear horn, making its head-mimicking tactics even more essential for survival.
Abbott’s Sphinx Caterpillars primarily feed on grapevines (Vitis spp.) and Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia). They are found in woodlands, gardens, and vineyards across North America. When ready to pupate, they burrow into the soil, later emerging as fast-flying moths with intricate wing patterns that aid in camouflage.
Elephant Hawk Moth Caterpillar (Deilephila elpenor)
The Elephant Hawk Moth Caterpillar is a striking species known for its resemblance to a small snake. It has a plump, grayish-brown or green body with subtle patterns that mimic the texture of tree bark or leaves. Its most distinctive feature is the large pair of false eye spots near its head, which make it look like a small reptile when threatened.
When disturbed, the caterpillar retracts its true head and inflates the front section of its body, enhancing the illusion of a snake. This defense mechanism helps deter birds and other predators. Despite its intimidating appearance, the caterpillar is completely harmless and relies solely on mimicry for protection.
This species primarily feeds on plants like rosebay willowherb (Chamerion angustifolium) and bedstraw (Galium spp.). It is commonly found in gardens, woodlands, and meadows across Europe and Asia. Once fully grown, it burrows into the ground to pupate, later emerging as a stunning pink and olive-green moth with a swift, hummingbird-like flight.
Bedstraw Hawkmoth Caterpillar (Hyles gallii)
The Bedstraw Hawkmoth Caterpillar is a robust species with a bold and variable coloration. It typically has a dark green or black body covered in rows of white or yellow spots, with a distinctive red or orange horn at the rear. Some variations may appear brown or even reddish. This striking coloration serves as a warning to potential predators.
Although it lacks large false eye spots, the caterpillar’s bold patterns and bright horn give it a somewhat snake-like appearance. When disturbed, it may thrash its body or remain motionless to confuse predators. Its tough skin and ability to tolerate toxins from its host plants also provide an extra layer of protection.
This caterpillar feeds on a variety of plants, including bedstraw (Galium spp.), fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium), and willowherb (Chamerion spp.). It is found across Europe, North America, and parts of Asia, inhabiting grasslands, forests, and coastal dunes. Once mature, it burrows underground to pupate, eventually emerging as a strong-flying, beautifully patterned moth.
Pluto Sphinx Caterpillar (Xylophanes pluto)
The Pluto Sphinx Caterpillar is a remarkable species with a cryptic, snake-like appearance. It has a smooth green or brownish body with intricate markings that help it blend into its surroundings. One of its most striking features is the set of large, eye-like spots on its thorax, which can expand when the caterpillar feels threatened.
When disturbed, the caterpillar tucks its real head in and puffs up its body, making it look like a small snake. This defense mechanism is particularly effective against birds and small mammals. The caterpillar may also remain motionless for long periods, relying on its camouflage to stay unnoticed.
Pluto Sphinx Caterpillars feed on plants from the Rubiaceae (coffee family) and other related species. They are found in tropical and subtropical forests of Central and South America. Once they reach full size, they form a pupa in leaf litter or soil, later transforming into a sleek, fast-flying moth that is well-adapted for nocturnal pollination.
Common Mormon Caterpillar (Papilio polytes)
The Common Mormon Caterpillar is a master of disguise, closely mimicking bird droppings in its early stages to avoid predation. As it matures, it develops a bright green body with white and yellow markings, along with a distinctive pair of false eye spots near its head. These markings give it a slight resemblance to a small snake, deterring potential threats.
Like other swallowtail caterpillars, this species possesses an osmeterium—a Y-shaped, fleshy organ that it extends when threatened. This organ emits a strong odor that repels predators, adding another layer of defense. The caterpillar’s ability to blend into the leaves of its host plants also helps it avoid detection.
The Common Mormon Caterpillar primarily feeds on citrus plants (Citrus spp.), curry leaves (Murraya koenigii), and other members of the Rutaceae family. It is widely distributed across South and Southeast Asia, thriving in gardens, forests, and farmlands. Once it pupates, it emerges as a beautiful black butterfly with white and red markings, often displaying sexual dimorphism in wing patterns.
Red Helen Caterpillar (Papilio helenus)
The Red Helen Caterpillar is another excellent example of a species using mimicry for survival. In its early stages, it resembles bird droppings, which helps it avoid detection. As it grows, it transforms into a bright green caterpillar with white and yellow lateral markings and prominent false eye spots that give it a snake-like appearance.
When threatened, the caterpillar retracts its true head and inflates its thoracic segment, making the false eyes appear larger. This defense tactic startles predators like birds and lizards. Additionally, it has an osmeterium, which it extends when disturbed, releasing an unpleasant scent to deter threats.
Red Helen Caterpillars primarily feed on citrus plants (Citrus spp.), as well as other members of the Rutaceae family. They are commonly found in tropical and subtropical forests of South and Southeast Asia. After pupation, they emerge as large, elegant black butterflies with striking white and red patterns on their wings.
Orange-barred Sulphur Caterpillar (Phoebis philea)
The Orange-barred Sulphur Caterpillar is a vibrant species known for its striking appearance. It has a bright green body adorned with small black and yellow markings along its sides. Some individuals display an orange or reddish tint, especially in later instars. This coloration helps it blend into the leaves of its host plants, offering excellent camouflage.
Unlike many caterpillars with snake-like defenses, this species relies more on its cryptic coloration to avoid predators. It is an active feeder, primarily consuming plants from the pea family (Fabaceae), including cassia (Senna spp.). When threatened, it remains still to blend in with its surroundings rather than employing aggressive mimicry tactics.
This caterpillar is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, ranging from the southern United States to South America. After pupation, it transforms into a large, golden-yellow butterfly with bold orange markings, often seen fluttering near flowering plants.
Asiatic Swallowtail Caterpillar (Papilio xuthus)
The Asiatic Swallowtail Caterpillar undergoes a remarkable transformation during its growth. Initially, it resembles bird droppings, with a brownish-black and white coloration that protects it from predators. As it matures, it turns bright green with white and yellow lateral stripes, allowing it to blend in with the leaves of its host plants.
One of its most striking defense mechanisms is the presence of false eye spots on its swollen thoracic segment, making it look like a small snake when threatened. Additionally, it possesses an osmeterium, a forked, fleshy organ that releases a foul-smelling chemical to deter predators when disturbed.
This species primarily feeds on citrus plants (Citrus spp.) and other members of the Rutaceae family. It is found across East Asia, including China, Japan, and Korea. After pupation, it emerges as a graceful black-and-yellow butterfly with an elegant wing pattern, commonly seen in gardens and forests.
Papilio demoleus Caterpillar (Papilio demoleus)
The Papilio demoleus Caterpillar, also known as the Lime Swallowtail or Chequered Swallowtail, is an adaptable and widespread species. In its early stages, it mimics bird droppings with a mottled brown and white coloration. As it grows, it transitions to a smooth green body with white diagonal bands, providing better camouflage among leaves.
Like other swallowtail caterpillars, it has a pair of false eye spots that give it a slightly snake-like appearance when threatened. Additionally, it possesses an osmeterium that emits a strong odor to ward off predators. These defense mechanisms, combined with its ability to thrive in various environments, make it one of the most successful swallowtail species.
This caterpillar primarily feeds on citrus plants (Citrus spp.), including lemons, oranges, and limes, as well as other members of the Rutaceae family. It is found across Asia, Africa, and Australia, often regarded as an agricultural pest due to its preference for citrus crops. Once it pupates, it emerges as a striking yellow-and-black butterfly with intricate wing markings.
Papilio macilentus Caterpillar (Papilio macilentus)
The Papilio macilentus Caterpillar is a lesser-known but fascinating member of the swallowtail family. In its early instars, it closely resembles bird droppings, which helps deter potential predators. As it matures, it turns into a vibrant green caterpillar with faint white lateral markings, allowing it to blend seamlessly with foliage.
When threatened, it retracts its head and inflates the thoracic region, making its false eye spots more prominent. This snake-like display, combined with its ability to extend its osmeterium, provides effective defense against birds and other predators. Despite these defenses, it remains a relatively inconspicuous species compared to other swallowtails.
This caterpillar primarily feeds on plants from the Rutaceae family, including various citrus species. It is found in East Asia, particularly in China, Korea, and Japan, where it inhabits forests and mountainous regions. After pupation, it emerges as a large, elegant butterfly with black wings adorned with subtle white and yellow markings.
