A Black Swallowtail Caterpillar Named Emily

The Black Swallowtail Caterpillar Named Emily!

This year, our fennel plants are full of Black Swallowtail caterpillars. How exciting to see the caterpillars change from day to day as they go through each stage of growth and develop into beautiful butterflies fluttering from plant to plant.

When we designed our courtyard garden, we planted fennel along the walkway and landscaped the entire area with host plants for butterflies. Besides the fennel plants, the garden includes Four O’clocks, cypress vine, coneflowers in different colors, irises, lilies, and butterfly bushes. We also have several colors of lantana. The flowers and plants attract many different types of colorful butterflies.

Early this morning walking through the gardens, I noticed the tender fennel plants took a beating from the wind and rain we experienced over the last few days. This is a plant that will revive, but to protect the caterpillars, I placed a metal stake in the middle of the fennel and tied the feathery fronds around the stake. While doing so, I noticed small eggs about the size of a pinhead along the ends of some branches. The tiny eggs are the first stage in the life of a Black Swallowtail butterfly. I am amazed to see them grow from the first early stages into full development.

This short video is one of a caterpillar my youngest grand named “Emily.” What do you think of her name? Does it fit her personality?

Each day, Katie and Taylor gently remove the caterpillars from their branch on the fennel, hold them while talking to them for a few minutes before putting them back on the plant. As some of the older caterpillars transform into beautiful butterflies, they seem to know Katie and Taylor. They follow the girls around the yard, sitting on their shoulder. Could it be they remember the girls holding them and know the sound of their voices? The girls are so connected with the butterflies, holding them, talking with them, and calling them by name.

There is much to learn in the gardens. Not only do I learn about growing plants, vegetables, and fruits, but often God uses the gardens to teach me biblical truths. Today, through the beautiful butterflies fluttering around the courtyard gardens, He reminded me that often He takes us through growth and transformation to shape us into the person He intended us to be.

He calls us by name—He knows us and designed each of us with a purpose in mind.

Isaiah 43:1, “But now, O Jacob, listen to the LORD who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.”

My Prayer: “Lord, help me to grow and become the person you intended me to be.”

Think of the many ways that God uses His creation to teach us biblical truths from His Word. Maybe I will start a list and it begins with the beautiful butterflies in my garden!