Do Black Swallowtails Eat Carrots? The Truth Behind Their Feeding Habits

Butterflies are some of the most beautiful and fascinating creatures in the world. One of the most popular species of butterflies is the black swallowtail. These creatures are known for their striking dark color and elegant wings. However, many people wonder what these butterflies eat - do they really eat carrots? In this article, we'll explore the feeding habits of black swallowtails and dispel any myths about their diet.

What Do Black Swallowtails Eat?

Black swallowtails are commonly found in North America and can often be seen fluttering around gardens and fields. As caterpillars, they have a distinctive green color with black stripes and yellow spots. But what do they feed on?

Contrary to popular belief, black swallowtails do not eat carrots - at least not as their primary food source! Instead, they feed on a variety of plants, including members of the parsley family such as dill, fennel, and parsley itself. They will also feed on plants like milkweed and butterfly weed.

As adults, black swallowtails feed on nectar from flowers. They are particularly attracted to plants like milkweed, thistles, and purple coneflower. Because these plants are also important for other pollinators like bees and hummingbirds, it's important to have a diverse range of plants in your garden.

Why Do People Think Black Swallowtails Eat Carrots?

So where did the idea that black swallowtails eat carrots come from? It turns out that while black swallowtails don't eat carrots, they do sometimes lay their eggs on carrot leaves. This is because the leaves of carrots and other members of the Apiaceae family (such as parsley and fennel) are very similar to the leaves of plants that black swallowtail caterpillars do eat.

However, just because black swallowtails may lay their eggs on carrot leaves does not mean that they actually eat carrots. In fact, it's unlikely that they would choose carrots as a food source over more suitable host plants.

How Can You Attract Black Swallowtails to Your Garden?

If you're interested in attracting black swallowtails to your garden, there are a few things you can do. First, plant members of the parsley family like dill, fennel, and parsley. These plants are the primary host plants for black swallowtail caterpillars and will attract adult butterflies to your garden in search of a place to lay their eggs.

You can also plant a variety of nectar-rich flowers like milkweed, thistles, and coneflowers. These plants will attract adult butterflies looking for a source of food. Be sure to avoid using pesticides in your garden, as these can harm both black swallowtails and other pollinators.

The Final Verdict: Do Black Swallowtails Eat Carrots?

In conclusion, black swallowtails do not eat carrots as their primary food source. While they may lay their eggs on carrot leaves, they prefer to feed on members of the parsley family like dill, fennel, and parsley. As adults, they feed on nectar from flowers like milkweed, thistles, and coneflowers. By planting a diverse range of host and nectar plants, you can attract black swallowtails to your garden and enjoy watching these beautiful creatures up close.

A black swallowtail caterpillar on a plant.

A black swallowtail butterfly perched on a flower.

butterfly diet, swallowtail habitat, insect gardening, pollinator protection, apiaceae family