Observation date: August 31, 2022
Date notes: Mostly sunny and hot.
Submitted by: sgguthart
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: I initially observed these caterpillars (5 in total) on August 31, 2022, on the dill plants in my raised garden. It's now September 8th. The photo was taken on Sep 6. In the past 5 days, two of the caterpillars purged and wandered off. (To understand what I had seen the caterpillars doing - purging, I read about how Swallowtails 'binge and purge' before looking for a place to pupate. Curious. ) I'm assuming that the Anise Swallowtail I saw on July 15th in the adjacent raised garden bed laid these eggs. (I think the timing would be right.)
Status: Resident
Verified by: mikefisher
Verified date: October 02, 2022
Coordinator notes: You are probably correct on all counts Sally and yes, when they have reached "maturity" they leave the plant and search for a pupation site (don't think I have heard this referred to as "purge"). These will all surely overwinter and emerge next spring...if they are not parasitized. Mike
