Laura Baker noticed this colorful caterpillar, which she knew was an Anise Swallowtail Caterpillar. It was feeding on Coast Angelica, a native wildflower.
Here is the beautiful butterfly it will become. Drew Fagan took this photo of the Anise Swallowtail Butterfly feeding on lavender.
Seeing a butterfly makes me happy. How about you?
Thanks to Laura and Drew for allowing me to share their photos with you here.
Allan Hogle found this caterpillar feeding on a flowering fennel head. He wondered just what it was.
It's an Anise Swallowtail caterpillar. Their host plants are dill, parsley...and fennel! Here is what it will turn into, a Anise Swallowtail butterfly. Such a beautiful butterfly. This photo taken by Drew Fagan,
I just acquired an excellent booklet for identifying butterflies and caterpillars, titled “Butterflies of Central and Northern California” by Jim Brock. The Four-eyed Frog Bookstore in Gualala will be carrying it. http://www.foureyedfrog.com/
Thanks to Allan and Drew for allowing me to share their photos with you here.
I love seeing butterflies dipping and darting through my garden. Swallowtails are here, and Monarchs are just beginning their autumn migration. Drew Fagan photographed an Anise Swallowtail and a Monarch on his lavender patch.
I can almost smell the wonderful lavender.
Thanks to Drew for allowing me to share his photos with you here. To see Drew's artwork, here is the link to his website: www.drewfagan.com