overwintering eastern black swallowtail caterpillars
This week we have been preparing for the cold weather. We have been harvesting herbs like mad, digging up annual herbs to bring indoors, bringing in the houseplants and scented geraniums, and finding many Eastern Black Swallowtail caterpillars everywhere (on fennel, Queen Anne’s lace, and parsley)!
We don’t want to leave them out in the frosty weather to die so we made them a cozy little habitat where they can eat until they almost burst, then make chrysalises to warmly wrap up in through the cold winter. Once everyone has made a chrysalis, we will put the habitat outside on our porch and keep it there for the entire winter, regardless of temperatures. They will stay good and warm in their protected little wraps all winter long.
Then, when we least expect it, just when we are feeling anxious for warmer temperatures, they will emerge as butterflies welcoming Spring!
** Here in Ohio they typically emerge in late April or early May, so we check them daily at this time.
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It is August 6th and I live in Rochester, New York. I have had great success raising Monarch butterflies for years and this year started with Eastern Black Swallowtails as well. I currently have 3 in the chrysalis stage. My question has 2 parts: Will the Swallowtails have another brood, laying the first or second week in August and will the swallowtail caterpillars in their chrysalis currently overwinter or not? It has been at least 2 weeks since the first swallowtail caterpillar went into its chrysalis.
I will admit; I am a true butterfly lover and am sad that I don’t have any caterpillars to love and care for. Your reply to my questions would be so greatly appreciated! Thank You. Melissa in Rochester, New York.
Living in the City I never get to see such wonders as your girls do. I’m glad you share their adventures with us as I always learn something new. Hope their caterpillars turn into beautiful butterflies. Keep us advised as to the progress. xxoo
any chrysalis or cocoon we overwinter always dies! After 2 disappointing years we’ve decided to let the critters fend for themselves out-of-doors. That way at least we can’t be held responsible in any way for their death. (smile)
They are beautiful! As are the little ladies, as always.
Love the place, the pics and the things you do!
big hugs to the little ladies!
Juanita
Isn’t it funny how you scramble to save everything as though you may never have it again. We do it here too. I may be that our season are short (summers)/long(winters) but I always feel like I am hanging on for all I’ve got.
I love the picture of the two girls together. So Sweet!
your girls are so cute!
nicola
http://whichname.blogspot.com
Lucky little fellows to have such kind and loving benefactors.
The Little Ladies are too sweet! Their love of life is so clearly visible.
Blessings and magic,
Donni
I have been feeling lazy and neglectful of my garden lately. Your post reminded me to get out there and finish things up. Thanks.
These are wonderful pictures! I miss fields of Queen Anne’s Lace with caterpillars everywhere. Have fun harvesting the herbs and preparing for winter.