‘It looks like a Disney character!’ Photo of odd bug raises questions on social media

Bugs are notorious for being frightening, so it’s understandable that a lot of people doubt the Spicebush Swallowtail caterpillar is a real thing.

A photo of one was shared April 2 on Facebook by the U.S. Department of the Interior, and it pretty much looks like a cartoon character.

This includes being bright orange, with huge black “eyes” and puckering lips.

The image racked up nearly 3,000 reactions and comments as of April 5, including some from people who insist it was too cute to be a real bug. Others suspect it’s all too real and counts as “an abomination.”

“Thought this was just a stuffed toy someone put on the tree,” RuthMar ThaRobertson wrote on Facebook.

“That little guy looks fake!” Liz Lacono posted.

“It looks like a Disney character!” Victoria Anne said.

“Should I be scared?” Suzanne Leaf asked.

People in the western half of the country have a good excuse for doubting the caterpillars exist. They’re only found east of the Mississippi River in forests and swamps, according to the Department of the Interior.

As for those big “eyes,” it’s not what it seems.

“Those ‘eyes’ aren’t eyes at all. They’re spots on the Spicebush Swallowtail caterpillar that help deter insects, birds and other predators,” the department wrote.

Despite their “ferocious” spots, the caterpillars are harmless, with an appetite for “sweet bay, spicebush, and sassafras as well as tulip tree,” according to the N.C. State Extension.

“Although spicebush butterflies are not rare, the caterpillars are seldom noticed,” the extension reports.

This story was originally published April 5, 2022 at 11:20 AM with the headline "‘It looks like a Disney character!’ Photo of odd bug raises questions on social media."