Black Swallowtail Caterpillar Update 2

The dill has been stripped of foliage, and the caterpillar has moved on to the parsley.  :)

Black Swallowtail Caterpillar Update

The caterpillar is growing at a rapid rate.  It looks slightly different each day, just as it grows and becomes more yellow/white than black.  It likes to stay near the bottom of the dill plant during the daytime to hide from predators and have some shelter from the sun.

The dill is chomped at the top, but there are a few more limbs it can eat, and there's plenty of parsley nearby.

Here's a wider shot of the area.  Although not visible due to the basil, the parsley is within easy reach.

Sunflowers

Coneflower

This single plant can be divided in another year.  It's put up 8-10 bloom stalks this year.

The Toad and The Caterpillar

This toad had made a little home in my metal planter.  Shortly after I took a photo, I needed to water the plants, so it hopped away to hide.  Hopefully it will return.

Meanwhile, the Black Swallowtail caterpillar has grown.  I believe this is the 3rd instar stage?  It flashed its osmeterium at me while I was moving the dill plant around a bit.  It also eats parsley, so it should actually be all set up to enjoy my herb garden.

The Penstemon is in full bloom now, and the Butterflyweed blooms have opened.  If only a Monarch or Queen would find the Butterflyweed.

Finally, I have my first ever female squash bloom.  Have I (so far) beaten the vine borers?!?!