These pictures show Anise Swallowtail Caterpillars as they grew and then
metamorphosed into flying adults. They were taken in July and August of 2001, on
the wild fennel we encourage near our pond. We just prune it to look nice like
you would any other cherished plant such as a rose. Over the years, it has given
us not roses, but Anise Swallowtails to admire/enjoy.
Here are images of the caterpillar, it in its chrysalis, and then the newly
emerged butterfly.
It then took its maiden flight:
This image is of a different individual and is from 1998. Note how the smaller/younger caterpillar is colored totally differently, in fact, it looks like bird-do! - quite protective!: