Swallowtail Caterpillar Host Plant

by Alan
(Brooklyn, NY)

Swallowtail caterpillar host plant question -
I have 3 rue plants in a tank with cardboard on the bottom that have fed 6 + caterpillars..
a couple keep falling off...
I put them back on the plants, but awhile later, back at the bottom..
I can provide more rue from the garden...
When are they ready for chrysalis??

Karen says:
The caterpillars eat for a couple of weeks. When they are ready to form the chrysalis they usual wander away from the host plant (Rue). Maybe that's what your caterpillars were doing.
Check out more information on rue and the black swallowtail butterfly host plants.

Is it safe to feed the B.Swallowtail caterpillar parsley from supermarket ?

by Nicole Luchinger
(Auburndale, FL ,U.S)

Hi,Karen
I have been wondering if is ok to feed the caterpillars with supermarket parley as a emergency food.Do I have to wait for the parley get to the same room temperature after it has been refrigerated? Do I have to wash it?If it has pesticide how do I remove it?

Thank you.

Karen says:
You could buy organic parsley to be certain that there are no pesticides used, but I have used regular parsley from the grocery store and not had any problems with my butterflies. You could wash it first and the parsley will go to room temperature fairly quickly after you take it out, so I wouldn't worry about it. Have fun!

Tip for Black Swallowtail Caterpillar Host Plants

by Lori
(College Station, Texas)

I have dill in my garden which I was able to grow quite effortlessly from seed. Today I went out to find about 15 of these caterpillars all over it. So, just another attractive plant to add to your list. :)

I found your site looking for ideas for how to keep these caterpillars happy while my young children and I observe their stages. Thanks for the information.

Karen says:
Sharing butterflies with children is great fun. Here is more information on raising a black swallowtail butterfly.

Snow on the Mountain Host Plant Black Swallowtail Butterfly

Just thought I'd pass this tidbit along. I live in Minnesota. Two days ago while watering my gardens I saw a Black Swallowtail caterpillar on my Snow-on-the-Mountain plants. It was chewing away - - a happy camper. So, there's another plant they seem to like - - or at least satisfies their needs.

Karen says:
Very Interesting! Thanks for sharing :)