Black Swallowtail Caterpillar

Found in open areas, meadows, gardens, and roadsides where host plants are present across North America.

Herbivorous; feeds on plants in the parsley family (Apiaceae) including dill, fennel, carrots, and parsley.

Goes through five larval stages (instars); possesses a forked, foul-smelling defensive organ called an osmeterium that it eversion when threatened.

Benefits the ecosystem as a pollinator in its adult butterfly stage; larvae can be minor pests in herb gardens but are generally considered desirable by butterfly enthusiasts.