How to Take Care of Black Swallowtail Caterpillars

A Black Swallowtail caterpillar is a convenient low maintenance pet for kids. Since younger kids tend to lose interest in most pets relatively quickly, the life span of the pet as a caterpillar is short and should hold their interest. Like any other caterpillar, the Black Swallowtail requires very little supplies to house. Your child will get to enjoy watching the caterpillar grow and transform into a beautiful butterfly within weeks.

Things You'll Need

  • Large Jar or container
  • Twigs
  • Large Leaves
  • Parsley
  • Dill
  • Fennel
  • Rue
  • Moist sand or soil
  • Damp Cheesecloth
  • Rubber band
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Clean out a large jar or container. Place about 1 to 1 1/2 inch of moist sand or soil into the bottom of the jar or container.

    • 2

      Place twigs and a few large leaves into the jar. Sprinkle in a handful of herbs like parsley, dill, fennel and rue. Replenish your caterpillar food every two to three days as caterpillars eat frequently.

    • 3

      Handle the caterpillar with a large leaf. Like most caterpillars, the Black Swallowtail caterpillar has spiny projections that are prickly to the touch and may cause irritation to the skin.

    • 4

      Keep the caterpillar's area clean. Since caterpillars eat a lot, they have lots of droppings. Replenish the jar or container with clean moist sand or soil.

    • 5

      Watch the butterfly pupate or turn into a cocoon. Once you see the butterfly emerging, place the twig it's secured on outside or on a covered porch area away from birds and other predators. Butterflies flap their wings rapidly when they first emerge and attempt to fly, keeping the butterfly in the jar or container might damage their wings.