Getting caterpillars on Dutchman\'s Pipe

Can anyone tell me how long after planting Dutchman's Pipe should I get caterpillars? I've had mine for 2 years and have had no caterpillars yet!

Have you seen the Pipevine Swallowtail? Sometimes you have to relocate caterpillars so others will follow. The butterflies dont nectar on the dutchmans pipe, flowers for them after pupation are needed too

No I've not seen any. An Arboretum near me had some caterpillars on their Dutchma's Pipe last year. I've got tons of purple coneflowers, Joe Pye Weed, zinnias etc.

You will prob have to see abt getting some of the cats to raise at your place. Then protect them from the birds while they grow

I grow zinnias, which reseed on their own in the vegetable garden. The flowers attract lots of swallowtails. My pipevines are about an acre away with the house between the garden and the vines. Swallowtails have no problem navigating from the garden zinnias to the vines where they lay eggs. I've got salvias, campions and other flowers but it seems butterflies love zinnias. Meanwhile, the pipevines have already bloomed and are growing vigorously by the time the caterpillars hatch and start feeding. My pipevines are trellised near the kitchen window. So fun to watch the action!

There are my pipevines to the lower right of the birds's nest. They are about ten feet tall.

Nice! Do you get tons of caterpillars on it??

Sorry maypoplaurel, didn't see your 1st post, of course you get caterpillars! :)
And yes the butterflies love my zinnias too

Please help with plant ID gift from friend in Houston. I've had it for a few years. It's from branch cuttings about 6' high now. Seems to be blooming on new growth in January. Bloom about size of a silver dollar. Beautiful deep purple, quite flat

Sharin, to get help with an ID you need to start a new thread in the plant ID forum. Very few people will see it here.

Good afternoon,
I still have had no pipeline caterpillars on my Dutchman's Pipe. I was wondering does anyone have any caterpillars they could send me? I'll pay for the shipping.

Thanks!

Mine have flown the coop. Not sure if there will be another batch. In the garden, I can't tell the difference between those and the blue/black Eastern Swallowtails. Right now I've got lots of Gulf fritillaries and their cats hatching on maypops.

That's great about the gulf distilleries! If you get more eggs on your Dutchman's Pipe I'd be very interested in buying some from you.

-Roy

Sorry gotta love auto correct feature: fritillaries not distilleries lol

A nurseryman I knew recommended netting some adults and bringing them to the vine.

Worth a shot!

He said that any females are likely to be already carrying fertilized eggs, so there's a decent chance of getting them to lay eggs on the pipevine.