black swallowtail caterpillar....on asparagus?

Free for all about gardening techniques, tips and questions.
Post Reply
User avatar
JRinPA
Reactions:
Posts: 1539
Joined: Sat Jun 13, 2020 1:35 pm
Location: PA Dutch Country

black swallowtail caterpillar....on asparagus?

#1

Post: # 47628Unread post JRinPA
Fri May 28, 2021 12:13 am

Has anyone ever seen these on asparagus before?

I wonder if the storm the other day blew this caterpillar across the yard. That storm led with a few minutes of 50mph gusts, then a quick 1" of rain. I believe it is a 1st instar black swallowtail. The day before, there were dozens on the overwintered parsnips, 30 feet upwind. I took it back outside and brushed it onto the parsnip where it belongs. But I'm wondering if there will be more on the asparagus?


1a.jpg
2a.jpg
3a.jpg
4a.jpg
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.

User avatar
PlainJane
Reactions:
Posts: 2665
Joined: Tue Dec 10, 2019 8:12 pm
Location: N. FL Zone 9A

Re: black swallowtail caterpillar....on asparagus?

#2

Post: # 47634Unread post PlainJane
Fri May 28, 2021 5:57 am

Haven’t seen that before. I think your theory about the free wind ride is probably correct.
“Never try to outstubborn a cat.”
- Robert A. Heinlein

User avatar
MissS
Reactions:
Posts: 5598
Joined: Fri Dec 13, 2019 4:55 am
Location: SE Wisconsin Zone 5b

Re: black swallowtail caterpillar....on asparagus?

#3

Post: # 47636Unread post MissS
Fri May 28, 2021 7:31 am

It could have been blown over or sometimes a female has so much ova that when she first starts laying she just drops it wherever she lands. Whichever you probably saved this ones life.
~ Patti ~

User avatar
Amateurinawe
Reactions:
Posts: 1484
Joined: Wed Jul 08, 2020 1:11 am
Location: Emsworth UK

Re: black swallowtail caterpillar....on asparagus?

#4

Post: # 47647Unread post Amateurinawe
Fri May 28, 2021 1:10 pm

I wouldn't worry about finding any more, i'd only worry if you find half a one on the asparagus on your plate...
The behaviour of light means you observe me as i was then, and not as I am now.
I cannot change history, so I do hope i gave you a good impression of myself

User avatar
MissS
Reactions:
Posts: 5598
Joined: Fri Dec 13, 2019 4:55 am
Location: SE Wisconsin Zone 5b

Re: black swallowtail caterpillar....on asparagus?

#5

Post: # 47650Unread post MissS
Fri May 28, 2021 1:47 pm

Amateurinawe wrote: Fri May 28, 2021 1:10 pm I wouldn't worry about finding any more, i'd only worry if you find half a one on the asparagus on your plate...
I just love your point of view!
~ Patti ~

Post Reply

Return to “General Discussion”