Black Swallowtails – first caterpillars this year
I found a few Black Swallowtail caterpillars some days ago – just didn’t have time to post the picture. It is on Yellow Pimpernel – I need to check the spelling on that. Don’t have time at the moment. It is a native host plant for Black Swallowtails – which isn’t easy to find. I’ll have to write more about that later. But for now I’m just very happy the plant was found and eggs were laid on it:
on July 14th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
I’ve read your page about the habits of Black Swallowtail caterpillars…thanks for all of the great information. The four that I had on my dill plant yesterday morning all disappeared. I was afraid that birds may have gotten them, but you say that they can wander away for some distance to find a place to pupate. Can you give me a rough idea of how far that could be? My dill was in a pot, so they would have trekked down the side of the pot and over a stretch of concrete. I haven’t found them or the cocoons within 2-3 feet yet.
Thanks!
on July 16th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
hello, i found your site today and have enjoyed it, yesterday i found two black swallowtail caterpillars, one in first instar and the other one is about an inch long. i have never been able to find any so i am trying to get as much info. as i can. both have not not moved since i got them, found them on queen anne lace, i assume they are molting, any info. you would have about raising them would be greatly appreciated. i have raised monarchs for a few years so i have some experience raising caterpillars. will these become butterflies this summer or overwinter them, and when i would overwinter, in what way and where. thanks jean