Caterpillar Disguise
How clever!
In its larval stages, the Asian swallowtail—also known as the Chinese or Japanese yellow swallowtail—mimics the appearance of bird droppings to prevent predators from gobbling it up.
Whatever it takes to survive, I suppose..via National Geographic
Interesting that predators know to avoid disease-spreading bird poop so much so that it would actually cause a genetic drift like that. It makes sense though–bird poop can spread viruses, fungal infections, and bacterial infections to other animals and each other through their droppings.
I have some of these on my lemon tree. Not only do they mimic bird droppings, but let out a nasty smell! Check them out next time you see one. hehehe