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Post by Deleted on Sept 22, 2006 13:14:26 GMT
I know this is my fault - I have a bronze fennel in a pot, next to my pond. I potted it because it was getting blown about a bit too much where I had planted it in the garden and thought it needed a bit of respite. A while ago I spotted a caterpillar on it, thought how pretty it was and thought no more of it. That caterpillar then coccooned itself on the fennel and a couple of weeks later was gone. Then I spotted another one on the plant. Light green with yellow ridges along its back and a yellow lateral line. I think I was so pleased at encouraging the wildlife that I wasn't noticing how much of the fennel they were eating, and it was quite skinny when I put it in the pot. They've almost cleared the lot between them so the caterpillar is now residing on the lilac bush. I wonder what kind of caterpillar would be attracted to aniseed? I couldn't identify it on one of the 'which caterpillar' websites I know about.
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Post by 4pygmies on Sept 22, 2006 13:31:29 GMT
This sounds ominous! I've never heard of anything which chews Fennel. P'raps it's a recent comer due to climate change with an exotic Mediterranean palate!
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Post by Deleted on Sept 22, 2006 14:09:33 GMT
Hi,
I had the same caterpillars on my fennel this year. Dont know what type they were though. Our rabbit also loves it. It gets a small piece once a week as a treat now I know it likes it.
Steve
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Post by Deleted on Sept 22, 2006 14:15:29 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Sept 22, 2006 20:08:51 GMT
Thanks Rita,
I think the nearest to it from the pictures is a Common Quaker, but the feet look a bit too prominent on the picture. So you had the same ones on your fennel too Steve? Your rabbit must have such sweet-smelling breath!
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Post by obelixx on Oct 4, 2006 7:57:22 GMT
Whatt you are describing sounds to me like Swallow tail caterpillars which like fennel and dill and I grow some every year specially to attract them. They only eat the foliage, so Florence fennel will give you annd the caterpillars a crop in harmony. They are beautifull as caterpilllars and butterfllies and rare enough to need our help.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 4, 2006 8:17:48 GMT
Wow that's great, Obelixx, and thanks! I feel mean now in evicting the last one and putting it on the lilac tree.  I'll leave them to their munching if I'm lucky enough to get some more visitors next year..... |
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Post by Deleted on Oct 4, 2006 8:23:35 GMT
Lucky one - I've never seen a swallowtail butterfly in my garden  Must try growing some fennel next year.  |
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Must try growing some fennel next year.