Citrus Caterpillars - two types.

My friend Phillip walked up to me the other day with an old "pot" (a plastic garden pot) and said "These are for you".
Thanks Phillip!

Inside the pot were three leaves from various citrus plants (Lemons or Mandarins probably). Each had a Caterpillar on it.

One was a caterpillar of the large Orchard Swallowtail Butterfly. I have blogged about the remarkable defensive strategy of these Caterpillars before.

I knew that the brown and white one 

was a juvenile of the same species

as the large green caterpillar.

2 caterpillars of the Orchard Swallowtail Butterfly.

But I did not know what this other one is.

I had never seen this species before.

Caterpillar of Dainty Swallowtail Butterfly 

It is a 5th instar stage of the larva (Caterpillar)
of the Dainty (or Dingy) Swallowtail Butterfly
Papilio anactus 

Dainty Swallowtail Butterfly - Caterpillar

 Click to enlarge, to read the captions

Here is an image of an interesting "exchange" between these caterpillars.
They had been wandering around the work bench and got to the edge at the same time and the same place.

Click to enlarge the image

"Back off, Big Guy".

Orchard Butterfly caterpillars - 2 species.

Post-script: Phillip was a little concerned that I might photograph these Caterpillars and then squash them (as "pests"). I might have done so, too, except that I know Phillip would feel bad about that "result".

As it transpired, I decided to release them onto my own Lemons and Mandarins.

Then I read up about the little dark caterpillar and discovered (to my surprise) that it is a native Butterfly (Caterpillar). For that I can thank the good folks at Strathbogie Ranges who have presented a slide-show showing the caterpillar forming its chrysalis.

We do have some native Citrus plants in Australia, and since European settlement, we have planted out many non-native Citrus trees, which fact has advantaged these Butterflies. They have managed to greatly expand their range, since we have generously provided them more food (in areas outside their original range).

The Orchard Swallowtailed Butterfly is an import. EDIT: In fact that is not correct. Barbara has pointed out that "Common & Waterhouse in "Butterflies of Australia" do mention the fact that it occurs in New Guinea and adjacent islands but as far as I can make out it is native to Australia." You may see her comment and my responses in the "comments" below.

But they are so spectacular, I let both those caterpillars go free, as well. 

And, as I indicated, there is a question of trust - for Phillip. 

Besides, he would probably never bring me any more interesting specimens again, if I had betrayed his trust.

Thanks Phillip.