Cindylove is right, make sure they are Monarchs. You might try and throw a milkweed branch amongst the cats in the carrots. See if they go for it. I would hesitate before relocating any thriving cat. If they go for the MW, relocation shouldn't be a problem.
Hummingbird and Butterfly plants
Monarch eat milkweeds - perhaps they are Black Swallowtail caterpillars - they use parsely, dill, rue, Queen Anne's Lace, carrot greens etc as a larval host. The caterpillars can vary from black to green with white and yellow markings.
Here's a photo showing two cats. Markings are the same just the body color is different.
If you have a photo of the caterpillars - please post.
~ Cat
Yeah, I figured they were black swallowtail when they were tiny, without looking real close, but when they got bigger the colors were pretty striking. Maybe they were just odd colored STs.
Alas, we had a deluge rain dump yesterday afternoon, and I'm not seeing any of them now. I'll stick a milkweed back there and see what happens.
Overall, we've got tons of flowers now but very few pollinators. Hopefully the populations will catch up.
The definate telling point to id the caterpillars is the tentacales. The Monarchs have two sets one at the head and one close to the end.
Black Swallowtails won't have them at all.
So....what cha got???
I decided to use my suet feeder nesting material - then I couldn't get the last of the suet out. I went to plan B and used an onion bag.
The caterpillars in the picture above look like Black Swallowtails to me - they eat things in the carrot/dill/parsley family. I plant dill for them because it grows so fast.
The caterpillars in my Post #7714748 are Black Swallowtails - the ones in Sheila's Post #7715579 are Monarchs.
Monarchs, Queens and Soldier caterpillars look very much alike - however, Monarchs have two sets of tubercles whereas Queens and Soldiers have three sets.
Here's a photo of a Queen caterpillar
Pollengarden.. I apologize for not replying to your entry regarding your plants/seeds that you have... I didn't see it earlier... I love zinnias & have planted them again this year..a few different types, as I know the butterflies love them. I want a Monarda too but I want the new type "AC Mum" & I am probably going to have to wait until next year to get it.
The Indian Paintbrush is a wildflower here & so pretty in the fields, very striking against the dull browns & greens.
CAT... I was thinking it was a ST too that ladybird has... that would be great to watch.
I found a place online that sells Monarch kits.. which are hard to find in the first place. I know I can always get a Painted Lady kit, but I really want a Monarch one..so I have to wait until my milkweed grows a little more before I can order them! hahaha
Well, since the big rain I can only find one, definitely swallowtail, on the carrots. (STs are also chowing on the false dayflower, for some reason.) The not green ones, alas, I think were washed away.
I think most of the monarchs have passed us by now, but the local milkweeds are finally blooming like crazy, so they should spread and have plenty to eat when they come back through in the fall.
Thanks!
realbirdlady... don't give up hope on the Monarchs... as they may come in groups as they leave Mexico... I read on the Monarch watch page that 30% got wiped out but there are still a lot of Monarchs ready to migrate..that was a few weeks ago.
I think I saw a Monarch yesterday.. it was a large orange butterfly..but too far away to be sure..but it's a good guess as I don't know of any other large orange butterfly! hahaha
I think the "Monarchs" I have been seeing are Viceroys. I have seen quite a few, but no eggs on my milkweed. :(
jlp I forgot about Viceroy's.. though I have yet to see one in my area..not to say they don't come here, as I am sure they do..hahaha... I hope to see more of "anything"! hahaha