Swallowtail

During the Lubbock years, mom grew a lot of dill.  I don’t recall her ever using it, but I do remember her saying that she mainly grew it for the swallowtail butterflies, as they had a preference for it.  I still remember those beautiful little creatures and their iconic striped larvae.

So I’m naturally pleased whenever I see them now.  They had a fondness of my garden a few years back.

A female Palilio polyxenes

Recently, as I went to harvest some dill for my pickling endeavor, I noticed one of these little caterpillars, so permanently etched into memory.

But, despite me actively using the dill, he can stay.

–Simon

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