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
2nd instar
Swallowtail (Papilio machaon), first instar caterpillar on Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
3rd instar
Swallowtail (Papilio machaon), second instar caterpillar on Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
Swallowtail (Papilio machaon), second instar caterpillar on Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
Swallowtail (Papilio machaon), second instar caterpillar on Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
Swallowtail (Papilio machaon), third instar caterpillar on Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
UPDATE 2022/vi/05
4th instar
Swallowtail (Papilio machaon), fourth instar caterpillar on Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
UPDATE 2022/vi/10
5th instar
Swallowtail (Papilio machaon), fifth instar caterpillar on Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)Swallowtail (Papilio machaon), fifth instar caterpillar on Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
Swallowtail (Papilio machaon), caterpillar on Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)