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Wed, Oct 3, 12 at 14:49
| For years I have had lots of Spicebush Swallowtails. I attributed this to the large number of Sassafras trees in my yard but I had never happened upon a caterpillar until a couple of days ago. My adult trees have been pruned to a point about 8'-10' so I haven't given them anything but a cursory examination for cats. Sassafras trees produce lots of "new tree" growth from their roots and I have generally removed this new growth. I unintentionally left one last year and it is about 18" tall and wide now. I was out in the yard with my camera and noticed the "gnawed on" leaves and several possible nests. These rolled up leaves were indeed inhabited and I got my first live-view caterpillar.
My grandmother never owned a toothbrush in her life...she always had a supply of "home made" Sassafras toothbrushes. She died in her late 80's with her own teeth intact so they must have worked. Bob Young Sassafras Tree
Un-touched nest
Partially opened nest
Nest held open exposing caterpillar
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Follow-Up Postings:
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- Posted by misssherry Z8/9MS (My Page) on Wed, Oct 3, 12 at 15:27
| How darling, Bob! Please continue to leave sassafras root sprouts, with all that new growth on it - those are their favorite leaves! Great pictures, as usual! Sherry |
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- Posted by butterflymomok (My Page) on Thu, Oct 4, 12 at 10:51
| Great photos of one of my favorite caterpillars. Thanks for posting. Sandy |
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- Posted by bananasinohio (My Page) on Thu, Oct 4, 12 at 20:30
| Beautiful. These guys are always a favorite with the school kids that visit the butterfly house. -E |
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- Posted by susanlynne48 OKC7a (My Page) on Fri, Oct 5, 12 at 7:39
| I just adore these sweet guys and gals. I have never gotten any except via a certain "friend" of mine who so kindly donated a couple to me to raise. I cannot get their host plants to grow for me unfortunately. Great shots, Bob! Susan |
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- Posted by imabirdnut 7b (My Page) on Fri, Oct 5, 12 at 14:21
| Thanks for sharing, Bob! I actually tried to grow Sassafras but it died because our water & soil is too alkaline! We don't get Spicebush SWTs here but do get Tigers that will use Sassafras. I do have some lilacs that are growing but have never bloomed. |
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| Thanks to all of you who took the time to view this post and particularly those who also offered their comments. I appreciate them all! Bob |
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