black swallowtail caterpillar....on asparagus?

JRinPA · #1

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?

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PlainJane · #2

Haven’t seen that before. I think your theory about the free wind ride is probably correct.

MissS · #3

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.

Amateurinawe · #4

I wouldn't worry about finding any more, i'd only worry if you find half a one on the asparagus on your plate...

MissS · #5

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!