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Swallowtail Caterpillars Like Parsley

I swear that I've never seen a greater variety of butterflies in my life than I have in the nearly two years we have lived in Japan. (During our trip to Hokkaido I counted at least six different varieties while sitting in one spot for two hours.) Black, black and white, yellow, orange, black with blue, and ranging from about an inch to those that look like bats or small birds fluttering by. It's been another of the unexpected pleasures of living here.

Last year these fat little fellows trimmed my fennel plants, and this year they've arrived to keep the parsley in the west wall bed in check. (Truth be told, they're straight up devouring it and we are parsley-less.) My minimal knowledge and experience with these creatures told me this could be something rather exciting. A short search for "black and yellow caterpillar" images has me believing they are swallowtails, but I'm not entirely sure if they are Old World Swallowtails or if they are Black Swallowtails. Regardless, while I await word from a professional they will keep munching and I'll be glad for the company in the garden.
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Robert Brenchley said…
What size is it? I've got no infomation about Japanese insects, but it does look quite impressive.
September 26, 2010 at 9:42 PM
Joan Lambert Bailey said…
Well, I'd say he's (or she's) about half an inch fat (give or take) and about three to five inches long (give or take). My ability to convert to centimeters is still somewhat limited, but I'd say that's something like six to ten centimeters long? Really beautiful, and clearly enjoying the parsley. I've seen a number of what I think are Old Swallowtails about the farm of late, but I have also seen the Black Swallowtail in the past. Hard to say. I'm just glad to have them.
September 27, 2010 at 8:05 AM
Vegetable Garden Cook said…
Never realized they like parsley. I'll have to keep a closer eye on my plants.
November 7, 2010 at 3:18 AM
Joan Lambert Bailey said…
Amy, do watch for them. They are lovely, but hungry. I'd advise having one or two plants you just give over to them, and then you can transfer others to those plants. You'll be delighted with the sacrifice once you see them flitting by.
November 7, 2010 at 8:43 AM
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