Please Help ID this living poop.

[Swamper]

I don't know what else to call this. I was out looking for macro shots to take because another thread on here inspired me when this thing caught my eye. I thought it was a bird dropping on my tangelo shrub/tree that I have in a pot. I have noticed this past week that something has been eating it's leaves possibly a hopper of some sort. Anyway I was thinking what a strange dropping when it moved and I was like NO FREAKIN WAY what is that eating all my leaves. I was going to squash it but as I started snapping pictures, I saw eyes, mouth, legs and figured maybe I shouldn't kill it without at least finding out what it is. It looks like a snake/caterpillar but I don't know much about caterpillars unless it's an engine. ANyway can someone please help?

[Gin]

Ewwww ! all I know it is ugly! would be a star in a horror movie .. don't touch it don't touch it !~~~shiver~~~

[RobS]

I wouldn't kill it pretty much looks like a Giant Swallowtail even the host (citrus) matches.

[Swamper]

WOW that's what it is for sure. Man if that thing would have... "Giant Swallowtail caterpillars will suddenly rear up and evert the orange, horn-like, V-shaped osmeterium (scent organ) on their head" I would have probably fallen back on my butt. It's freaky looking enough as it is. Thanks for the link and the fast reply.
Gin... LOL I'm glad I didn't touch it.

[UKCat]

Wow! what an amazing set of photos

Yep Swallow tail caterpillars look like bird poop, great disguise don't you think? I mean what bird would want to eat that
And we think orchids are clever with their adaptations.

[Lady Tottington]

wow! awesome photos, and thanks for the ID! very neat!

[Amandalee]

Like everyone else said it's a giant swallowtail caterpillar, my dad was a citrus grower for over 25 years we always called them "orange dogs". Also, they sting/bite so don't handle it too much or touch it. Your choice if you decide to kill it or not, if not move it some place else or it will eat almost every leaf off your little potted tangelo.

-Amanda

[Swamper]

Thanks for your input guys.
Amanda I took it and placed it in a cup and then put seran wrap over it with some holes. Then I added some of the damaged leaves into the cup. Within minutes it had eaten them all up so I imagine what it can do to my little plant. I won't kill it but I'm not letting it lose just yet.

[CTB]

Wow! I thought for sure you were pulling our leg Swamper, never saw one before,. most interesting. Hope you keep them down Miami way. Thanks for sharing!

[Swamper]

LOL. You mean you thought the pics were made up or was it because of the title? The pictures do look unreal. I took it for a walk this morning and left him/her/it about a block down in a ficus bush. Its not that I disliked them or anything, it's just that there was a lot of ficus.