can anyone identify this

[Christopher Conlan]

Looks like the larva of a Tiger Swallowtail.  There is an Eastern and 
Western species so it depends on where you live.  The dull 
brownish-purple color means it is ready to pupate and probably 
searching for a good site.  That is likely why it was wandering on the 
ground and had a meeting with your big toe.  There should be dozens of 
pictures on the web if you run a search on the common name I listed 
above.

Chris


 
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