I don’t know where they are coming from, but I am happy to have them. I’m referring to the Spicebush Swallowtail Caterpillars.
We have lots of Caterpillars feeding on both the Spicebush and Sassafras plants. I have yet to see any actual Spicebush Swallowtail Butterflies, but they’re coming from somewhere.
This is the most Spicebush Swallowtail Caterpillars we’ve ever had. I’ve always wanted to see a full size Spicebush Caterpillar up close, but we’ve never had them before.
.jpg "Spicebush Swallowtail Eating Spicebush")
Spicebush Swallowtail Eating Spicebush
.jpg "Spicebush Swallowtail Eating")
Spicebush Swallowtail Eating
In addition to the Caterpillars that are the size in the pictures, we also have several really small Spicebush. I had the wrong lens to take quality pictures of them, but I’ll try and get some later this week.
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by texdr
2 comments
texdr - Are you sure it’s not a Giant Swallowtail? They host on citrus trees. I’ve never known a Spicebush to be interested in citrus.April 1, 2011 – 10:26 am
Robert Gerhart - Didn’t know what the spice bush swallowtail was but have had a number eating leaves on my orange tree since the freeze. Might have reated them a little more gently had I known what they were.April 1, 2011 – 10:20 am