Black Swallowtail Caterpillars in December!

12 years ago

I have found what I think are Black Swallowtail Caterpillars on parsley in my front flower bed. It has been a mild fall so far with temps between 60s and 70s. My boys and I were really surprised at our find. It is supposed to get cold this weekend in the 40s. What should I do with the caterpillars to ensure that they survive the winter?

Any suggestions would be helpful as this is my first time raising butterflies. Thanks.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

eclecticgardener
12 years ago
Hi, I am in the same situation as you are. (Monarch's though)
If all other suggestions here fail for you, you may try doing the same thing that I am doing.
I found that I can take my cats and butterflies to the Texas Discovery Gardens in Dallas at Fair Park.

You can call them here:
214-428-7476 ext. 341

They have a climate controlled place to raise them. :)

Hope this helps!
terrene
12 years ago
Alison, I know this reply is late, sorry that things are slow on this forum this time of year. For many of us, butterfly season is over! Sniff! Hopefully your cats are okay. You can bring the cats inside and raise them in a container, and once they pupate they will undoubtedly wait until Spring to emerge. I am keeping my dormant swallowtail chrysalises outside in a mesh enclosure along the side of the house.
Related Professionals
Towson Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Vernon Hills Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Madera Landscape Contractors · North Chicago Landscape Contractors · Thonotosassa Landscape Contractors · Wells Landscape Contractors · Weymouth Landscape Contractors · San Pablo Landscape Contractors · Collierville Fence Contractors · San Antonio Fence Contractors · Goleta Fence Contractors · Fishers Window Contractors · Hawaiian Gardens Window Contractors · University City Window Contractors · Lindenhurst Window Contractors
ladyrose65
12 years ago
Wow...I can believe it. It's warm here. The ground is not frozen.