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September 01, 2006
Caterpillars
A few days ago we noticed that our 2 parsley plants were covered in caterpillars. When Theo saw them he immediately shouted out, "Monarchs!" Eric thought maybe they were swallowtails. While they do look similar to monarch caterpillars, after a little research we discovered that Eric was right and they are actually the caterpillars of Black Swallowtail Butterflies. For one, they don't have the feelers of monarch caterpillar.
Apparently the butterflies lay eggs only on specific host plants like parsley, dill and a few others. Then the larva feeds off of the plant until it's ready to form its chrysalis. We have dozens of the caterpillars and they are devouring my parsley, but I don't mind sharing with them. I plan on planting a bunch more next year just for the butterflies, as well as milkweed for monarchs.
I really hope they decide to build their chrysalis' near my house so we can watch them all winter. They will emerge and take flight in the spring. If I get organized enough in the next few days I am going to figure out how we can capture a few and raise them until spring until it's time to release them.
Posted by Julee at September 1, 2006 08:07 PM
Comments
Great picture- can't wait to see the caterpillar chronicles
Posted by: Yolanda at September 2, 2006 11:21 PM
What a great living classroom your garden has turned into!
Posted by: Colleen at September 6, 2006 02:57 PM