Monday, October 28, 2013

Garden Guest: Black Swallowtail Caterpillar

The north side of our front yard is a certified  National Wildlife Federation Backyard Habitat.  Really!  We have a certificate!  You can do the same by providing food, water, cover and places for wildlife to raise their young.  It is so much fun to see all of the critters that stop by for a visit.  I've begun a new series of posts to show you our Garden Guests. 

If you would like to see more, check my Gardening Page!
 
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This gorgeous caterpillar is a black swallowtail surprisingly late in the year.  I hope that means we will have a mild winter?  If only caterpillars could talk!
 
The plant is parsley that has gone to seed.  We have parsley in our vegetable garden, in the cutting garden, and in the butterfly garden.
 
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Not only is parsley tasty, its blossoms are a beautiful addition to flower arrangements and it is the host plant for swallowtails!  Triple score!  Here in Northwest Arkansas, it over winters quite nicely.
 
I try to create some clever seque' from critter to music, but I can't think of a thing this week!  I just like this sassy song!
 
Music can be found (and linked) at Holli's Hoots and Hollers great party called Tuesday Tunes! 
My choice this week:  Shoot Him Down by Alice Francis

 
;-)  -Marci

 

14 comments:

  1. So pretty! I love your wildlife posts. : )

    Louisa @ My Family & Abruzzo

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  2. WOW! What a beauty! Gives me the heebies jeebies though!

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  3. I've never seen a caterpillar so pretty! I'd like a mild winter here. so if that's what he means, send him over my way, would ya? :)

    Thank you for linking to Super Sunday Sync.

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  4. What a gorgeous caterpillar. I have never seen one of these. I also love your music choice - very different!
    Easy Life Meal & Party Planning

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  5. Beautiful photos and great song! ♥

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  6. What a lovely post! I have pinned this to my "children" board on Pinterest--kiddos are always catching caterpillars and they should realize that there are specific ways to care for them.

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  7. This is truly awesome! Thanks for sharing and linking up again with us at the #WWDParty. Have a wonderful week ahead.

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  8. Perhaps we get the swallowtails up here in the summer. Lovely nature photos!

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  9. Wow, that caterpillar is gorgeous...I have never seen one of that kind before. You took a wonderful picture of him too! Thanks for sharing this....

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  10. He is just way too cool! I never see caterpillars like this, but they must be around because I get a lot of different and very pretty butterflies!

    Thanks again for linking up with Green Thumb Thursday! I'd love to see you back this week!

    Lisa

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  11. Hello, wonderful post. Great sighting of the caterpillar. I am glad your parsley is doing so well. I would like a mild winter too. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Happy Sunday, enjoy your day and the new week ahead!

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  12. Magnificent close shots. I have never seen anything like it.Thank you.

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