DESCRIPTION More mature parsley caterpillars are smooth and brightly colored green with yellow spots on black bands.The bright colors tell predators that they will taste bad. The younger larva is black with a white saddle and is sometimes called an 'orange dog'. In the northern U.S. there are two generations per year, at least three in the south.
HOST PLANTS These hungry caterpillars eat plants in the carrot family: parsely, dill, Queen Anne's lace, carrot. Eggs are laid on host plants by the butterly and after hatching the larvae will feed for two weeks before metamorphosis. The second generation will overwinter as a chrysalis.
CONTROL The caterpillars can easily be picked off. If you want the butterflies, then plant extra of the food source and allow them to gorge, maybe in another area of the garden. If that is not acceptable. Bt can be used safely on food crops.
