Insect
Parsley Worm
The caterpillar of the black swallowtail butterfly, bright green with black and yellow banding, found on carrot family plants; it becomes the beautiful swallowtail butterfly.
Symptoms to Look For
- Large, striking green caterpillars with black bands and yellow dots on leaves and stems
- Stems and leaves partially defoliated on carrot, parsley, or dill
- Orange Y-shaped osmeteria (scent organ) extended when the caterpillar is disturbed
Affected Plants
CarrotParsleyDillFennelCelery
Organic Solutions
Hand removal and relocation
Move caterpillars to a wild or dedicated patch of dill or parsley rather than killing them - they will become black swallowtail butterflies.
Prevention
- Plant extra dill and parsley as a dedicated host plant patch to support butterfly populations away from main crops
- Damage to established carrot family plants is rarely severe enough to warrant control
Garden, by Willowbottom recommends only organic, wildlife-friendly solutions. No synthetic pesticides, no harmful chemicals - ever.