I spotted these small, remarkably coloured and humped caterpillars in Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare). In total eight specimen smaller than 1 cm were positioned low to the ground in the plant. These caterpillars were new for me and turn out to be Swallowtails (Papilio machaon). A new garden species!

Unfortunately I missed the ovipositioning adult. Very nice to be able to see these larvae developing. Hopefully I’ll be able to observe some butterflies later on.

2022/v/30

2^nd instar

3^rd instar

UPDATE 2022/vi/05

4^th instar

UPDATE 2022/vi/10

5^th instar

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References

¹ Nederlands Soortenregister