A spicebush swallowtail butterfly caterpillar makes its way over rocks on a Buffalo River gravel bar. Its bold orange color identifies it as the final instar before creating its chrysalis. Those large eyespots are for decoration only, but they do give the appearance of a watchful pair of eyes in hopes of detering predators. The adult butterfly is a deep blue-black with spots along the wings. Those spots are whiteish on the tops of the wings and orange below.