Down by the lower barn in the raised beds a feast is taking place. Black swallowtail caterpillars have rained down on the poor fennel and are making quick work of it. These lovely caterpillars are fattening themselves up as they prepare to form their chrysalises and eventually transform into a black winged butterfly with yellow and blue outlining the bottoms of the wings. If you happen upon one of these beautifully patterned beasts, you may be able to persuade them to shoot their orange horns out at you if you lightly poke them in the back.
UGArden Staff Blog 