Viewing post #638991 by holity

mellielong said:Terri, that's awesome that you've got Eastern Black STs! You would think we would get them earlier in Florida than you in Illinois, but we've really only had the caterpillars show up in the last three weeks or so. I still wonder what makes them decide to come out of their chrysalis after being in there all winter. Are you bringing your cat inside or leaving it outside? They get eaten by a lot of things which is why I ask. I call them "Herb-Stuffed Caterpillars" since they eat fennel, dill, and parsley (among other things). I figure that probably just makes them taste better to birds which is bad! If you have any questions, feel free to ask away. Caterpillars do some crazy things, and I think Swallowtails are crazier than others so don't be afraid to ask if you don't know something. We all love sharing our knowledge on here!

Thanks Melanie! I kind of think I'd like to bring them inside. We have a three-season room and we open a lot of the windows this time of year. I saw on the internet how one guy had put them inside a plastic basket with narrow slats and they hung themselves from the inside bottom.

can I feed them organic parsley from the grocery store?
What makes Swallowtails crazier than others? Although, I have zero experience with any of them! I planted six Asclepius plants a few weeks ago hoping to host some Monarchs... but that'll be a new experience too.

er... gut purge?