Dill Plant Community

The front yard continues to develop and there is a new area added to the South of the driveway. Pictures will be posted soon on the progress. Today I wish to share the community that has developed in the dill plants that I have been growing as host plants for the Black Swallowtail Butterfly. (Click on images to enlarge)

Dill Plant

This plant was started in early January and since mid-February has been a home for aphids, Ladybugs, caterpillars and other folks. It has been amazing to watch the development of the different creatures living there. First the aphids showed up, soon followed by the Ladybugs. At the same time the Black Swallowtail was laying eggs on the plant. Below are photos of some of the activity observed.

Ladybug

Ladybug Eggs and Aphids

Ladybug Larva with Caterpillar

Ladybug Pupa

The Black Swallowtail caterpillars have been growing nicely in community with everyone else. Here are a couple of pictures of their development. I'll post more about them as they become butterflies.

Newly Hatched

More Mature

If you want to save some money plant a dill plant and cancel your cable tv. Dill has much better programing than cable.