Abstract
Coloration is an important factor in the defenses of many organisms. However, the effectiveness of defensive colorations is dependent on multiple factors, including the predator’s vision. This experiment looks at the differences in crypsis between the two phenotypes of the black swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes) caterpillar, as well as how the caterpillar’s coloration is viewed by avian predators. This was done by taking photos of caterpillars, which were then analyzed and measured using ImageJ and AcuityView. This experiment found that there were few significant pattern differences between the phenotypes of the caterpillar. With the exception of band width, pattern elements were not found to scale with body size. The patterning of the caterpillar was found through AcuityView analysis to likely be both aposematic and disruptive, as the brightly colored dots and less vibrant bands degraded at different distances. This supports the theory that these caterpillars possess multiple forms of defensive coloration.
Advisor
Brandley, Nicholas
Department
Biology
Recommended Citation
Driscoll, Neve, "Hidden in Plain Sight: Multi-Purpose Defensive Coloration in Papilio polyxenes" (2026). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 13494.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/13494
Disciplines
Animal Sciences | Biology | Ecology and Evolutionary Biology | Entomology | Other Animal Sciences
Keywords
Defensive coloration, Lepidoptera, Crypsis, Aposematism, Phenotypic plasticity, AcuityView
Publication Date
2026
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 2026 Neve Driscoll