Caterpillar of a swallowtail butterfly

6325 Very putrid smell, about 1.5 inches long, very soft to touch. From British Columbia

Number 6325 This is a caterpillar of a swallowtail butterfly (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae). The foul odor is emitted by the fork-like appendage visible above its head. Called an osmeterium, it serves as a defensive mechanism for the caterpillar; Click here for more detailed information.