Hummingbird and Butterfly Gardening: Black Swallowtail, 0 by catbird8

catbird8 wrote:
Deborah,
I recommend getting the eggs onto live plants "before" they hatch. My suggestion is to have anyone of parsley, dill or rue in a pot that can be carried inside. You can cut the leaf with the eggs and pin to the live parsley, etc., so that the cats can start eating immediately.

Good luck. Today our 4th BST will emerge. So far 2 males and 1 female. This started when I saw the mama lay eggs on the dill, which was brought inside within a couple of days (that in itsself can be dangerous, as ants and wasps will eat the eggs). Had 6 larvae, 2 disappeared (don't know what got them), but 4 out of 6 is hundreds of times better than what nature provides, plus you get the chance for some outstanding picture ops. The downside of BST vs monarchs is the speed with which they cook out and are ready to fly. So, if you see the chrysalises turning dark be prepared to be at home. Otherwise you will be looking for the butterfly somewhere in the house or, ideally, screened in porch.

Attached is yesterday's female.

Best of luck, Rod (mate of 8)