July 27, 2025
This morning out in the heat pulling weeds. A distinctive caterpillar eating away at a Queen Anne’s Lace (Daucus carota). A beautiful pattern and coloring. It’s a Black Swallowtail caterpillar (Papilio polyxenes).
Like this caterpillar, the larvae stages of Black Swallowtails feed on plants in the carrot family (ApiaceaeI) such as dill, parsley, fennel, carrots and Queen Anne’s Lace.
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2 responses to “This Morning, A Black Swallowtail Caterpillar”
I had several of these little caterpillars on parsley at my house. They denuded the plant, so last week I bought 2 more plants because Austin is having so much fun watching them grow! And we’re having fun watching him!!
Oh Janice! Frustration and joy too! Isn’t nature marvelous?!!
So very glad you read my posts.
Sending many hugs
Bren