Something about the summer weather this year must have ushered in a High Plains party of swallowtail butterfly caterpillars, because gardens have been crawling with them, even more than usual. Often found perched on parsley and dill, these striped worms of yellow, green and orange are expert gobblers and will chomp your herbs to the stalk. So this year, I found myself shuttling the creatures gingerly from plant to plant, just to ensure they have plenty to eat. Unfortunately, their forked glands weren’t always as hospitable. These butterflies are a sight to behold, and I’m happy to have played nursemaid if it meant helping them to maturity.
Growing on the High Plains: Swallowtails
