A close-up of a Spicebush Swallowtail caterpillar in its final stage, shown with its head out before retracting into defensive mode. Bright white, yellow and black eye-spots line its pale brown body.

Close-up of a Spicebush Swallowtail caterpillar in its final stage, shown head-on with large, realistic eye spots that resemble a snake. The caterpillar retracts its head and gives the appearance of a snake.

Batesian mimicry: 'Form of a snake!'

A Spicebush Swallowtail caterpillar retracts its head and transforms into something that a predator might have second thoughts about pursuing.

#photography #NaturePhotography #caterpillar #whoneedsaliens

Tight flower bud and adjacent open bloom, seen against a brick wall (open window also visible)

Here's to #LifeOnEarth - inner London dahlia #friendswithgardens #whoneedsaliens #bloomscrolling

Of course, we already had an idea about stone-transport-by-boat from #Silsila - ancient Egyptians were so kind leaving us some pictures explaining what they did (including technical sketches showing how to lower these huge stones). #WhoNeedsAliens?...