Catapillar insect or both - Ask Extension
What is eating the parsley? Can you tell me what the insect is
Knowledgebase
Catapillar insect or both #656293
Asked June 26, 2020, 8:53 AM EDT
What is eating the parsley? Can you tell me what the insect is
Oakland County Michigan
Expert Response
This is a black swallowtail caterpillar. They feed on dill and parsley but will become a colorful butterfly.
http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/bfly/bfly2/eastern_black_swallowtail.htm
http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/bfly/bfly2/eastern_black_swallowtail.htm
Yes that is exciting
We are thinking due to poor soil lack of other foods this catapillar is bwcomi g a pest. We wondered What the smaller insects are?
We are thinking due to poor soil lack of other foods this catapillar is bwcomi g a pest. We wondered What the smaller insects are?
Better photo
The smaller insects are the early instar swallowtails (right after they hatch from eggs). The presence of these caterpillars is independent of soil or nutrient levels, as the eggs are laid by flying butterflies.
