Calling all Entomologists! Can You Identify This Insect?

CityNews.ca viewer Kareena sent us this image, which she took of an unknown insect on her front patio.  The creepy critter had us scratching our heads for answers.

We asked for help identifying the insect, and you responded!  This is a Canadian Tiger Swallowtail caterpillar.  This is a fairly common and widespread butterfly in Canada, with a habitat that ranges from the Pacific to the Atlantic and as far north as Hudson Bay.  It’s a pretty patriotic little bug – it’s not seen very far from our borders, inhabiting only a few of the northern US states.

For those of you who have forgotten their grade school biology (apparently we did too), the caterpillar is the second stage in a butterfly’s life cycle, following “egg” (thanks RealityCheck78).  This hungry little bug will consume masses of leaves this summer, then wrap itself up in a cocoon and emerge, as a beautiful butterfly. 

Thanks to all our viewers that responded.