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Butterfly Garden

Black Swallowtail Cats

16 years ago

I was out searching for some dill and/or some fennel and found some at a nursery. I wanted to plant it to attract some BST's. The dill smelled good and I asked my daughter to smell it. As she did, she asked me what the black thing was. I had three BST cats on my dill. I bought a second dill plant. ( I know I'll need more!)

My experience in raising catapillars is only with Monarchs. The BST's aren't acting the same. They aren't eating like the Monarchs and aren't crawling around as much as the Monarchs. Is this normal? I have been watching them all day and there has been no change...I was hoping they were just sluggish from molting. Any ideas or suggestions?

Thanks.

Jennifer

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Comments (5)

MissSherry
16 years ago
Congrats on your new cats, Jennifer!
I assume from the way you described them that they're little early instar cats - it's normal for them to eat and move around less than monarch cats, but when they get bigger, they'll eat more and move faster.
Unless you've got some mighty big dill plants, you'll need more than two! :)
MissSherry
jwink246
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks Misssherry. This morning they seem to be a little more active. I believe they are 2nd instar based on their size.
Jennifer
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The black swallowtail is a favorite of birds for food. I have made cages out of plastic snack containers (gallon size or larger) by cleaning it out well, then cutting sections out of the sides to adhere screen material (I use clear bathroom caulk to act as a glue) to the cut out sections covered with screen to allow for air flow. Then I place a paper towel in the bottom and bring in stems of their host food for them to feed on. This protects the caterpillars from predators and give them a better chance at reaching butterfly stage. Not all cats make it to adulthood, but their chances are better with the protective help. Then be sure to sterilize your cage after all the chrysalids have emerged. BSTs may overwinter as a chrysalis. I have had some stay in chrysalis for over a year and still emerge as healthy butterflies the following spring or summer. In the "wild" only 2 or 3 eggs out of 100 make it to adult butterfly stage. The caterpillar can travel some distance to become a chrysalis. The BST prefers to find a stick or twig (or vertical surface) that they can attach to in an upright position. Hope this helps you decide what to do about the remaining cats you have been observing. Best of luck to you! Mechelle
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LaurelLily
16 years ago
I agree with misssherry that you will probably need more food. If you have any parsley, they'll eat that, too. : )
gwynne2006
16 years ago
The BSTs dont seem to eat much when they are small. By the time they are fourth or fifth instars, I just throw a whole parsley plant in the cage with them.
tdogmom
16 years ago
OOoh, BSTs! You are going to LOVE these guys. :) They are black now but soon they will be this gorgeous green...

When provoked (now why would you do that? ha!) they stick out these 'horns' (osmeterium) and this nasty odour is emitted. Peeeeeyuuuuu!

Here is a picture of Anise Swallowtail larvae (basically, the West Coast version of the Eastern Black Swallowtail). Very similar in looks...and one of my faves (okay, all you veterans are going to say, "What caterpillar isn't CalSherry's fave?").

You can see the various instars here.

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?what to do with this little guy?

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