Spicebush Swallowtail Caterpillar
Q: I was delighted to discover several volunteer sassafras seedlings coming up in my yard a couple of years ago. I checked on the largest one today and noticed it was being devoured by several bright green caterpillars munching on the leaves.
I began picking them off and tossing them in the woods. Then I thought to do some research and see if they were butterfly larvae. I identified them as Spicebush Swallowtail larvae and found that Sassafras is one of their favorite foods.
I decided to let them munch, but am concerned that if they completely denude the tree it might not survive. What do you think?
A: Hmmmm…….it’s a tough choice. Sassafras is a tough tree ……but yours are still pretty young.
I hate to kill caterpillars that will turn into attractive butterflies but I also hate to have you lose a native tree while it’s still young and vulnerable. I guess I’d try to find other sassafras trees in the neighborhood and transfer the caterpillars there.
-
-
-
1
Ranunculus – Planting
-
2
Blueberry Bushes- Pruning
-
3
Meyer Lemon – Thinning
-
4
Pampas Grass- Transplant/Trim
-
5
Almond tree – Production
-
1
Camellias – Feeding
-
2
Poinsettia – Forcing to Bloom for Christmas
-
3
Deer – Repel with Baby Formula
-
4
Lantana – Winter Hardiness
-
5
Large Flies – In house in Spring
-
