Nice.. :) Congrats.. keeping the cats is rather addicting isnt it?

Great find! Looks like it's already pretty big so you may have a chrysalis soon.

Congratulations on joining us in this wonderful addiction! :) Various years I've found Black Swallowtail cats on the parsley and dill at Lowe's and Walmart. It's like finding treasure! The Black Swallowtails are really scarce here this year.
Cathy

Yeah - It's been great and my nephew is having a ball with it. I have three monarch chrysalides right now and the swallowtail looks like it is starting to pupate as well. The smaller monarch caterpillar is looking good and every day I check around the milkweed for more eggs...

I am hoping to collect and give out the milkweed seeds this fall. I have friends with kids that I think would love raising monarchs.

The swallowtail that I posted in my original post just now when I got home from work

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Congrats, Mostone! That is so cool to find caterpillars on the plants at the nurseries. I have ended up buying way more fennel and rue because of finding cats.

Be prepared that the butterfly may not emerge this year. I still have a chrysalis from last year!

I have several butterfly cages made from large clear plastic containers (pretzels, animal crackers from Sams Club). I cut out 3 of the sides, leaving the corners for stability, and covered the holes with screen material using clear silicone bathroom caulk for "glue". These are easily sterilized between batches of cats. It is very important to sterilize cages and utensils for the monarchs, they are very susceptible to OE spore and viruses. (To sterilize: make a weak bleach solution and soak for 15-20 minutes and rinse well with water.)

Enjoy the new obsession, it is very rewarding.

Mechelle

Oh wow that is so cool!! I have dill but no cats yet

Thanks for the tips, Mechelle. My nephew just found another monarch caterpillar, so on we go!