Viewing comments posted by Debnes

This particular Aristolochia is very acceptable as a host plant for the Pipevine Swallowtail Butterfly. Many broods have been raised on it to adulthood for the last 6 years here just north of Fort Worth, TX. This qualification is extremely important because some species of Aristolochia, such as elegans and gigantea and many others are not safe to raise caterpillars. The female will oviposit on these, the eggs will hatch, and the cats may even get to their second or third instar, but they die way before they are mature enough to pupate. Quite possibly it is because the aristolochic acid is to strong in those varieties. This acid is why all Aristolochias are toxic to most animals and humans.
It is imperative to know which Pipevine one has before buying or planting. It has been documented that the Polydamas Swallowtail in South Texas and Florida can be raised to maturity on A elegans, as they can tolerate the stronger acid.

Sometimes caterpillars starting out on a certain host plant will not fancy switching midstream, that is unless they are switching to a more tender variety such a A fimbriata or the more tender growth of A macrophylla or A tomentosa. So, even though the latter 2 are safe if broods are begun on them, it is best they complete on them as well if possible.