By Kait Chapman, Extension Educator in Lancaster County
As summer settles into Nebraska and people spend their days outdoors tending the landscape and the garden, there’s a good chance they may notice more than just the blooming flowers. Caterpillars are also a common and essential part of the natural ecosystem, whether they turn into beautiful butterflies or moths.
MONARCHS (Danaus plexippus)
Arguably the most infamous and recognizable caterpillar in Nebraska, monarch butterfly caterpillars have striking yellow, black and white bands with black appendages on each end that resemble antennae. Monarch butterflies undergo a magnificent migration and feed exclusively on milkweed (Asclepias spp.). As monarch numbers continue to be in decline, consider planting milkweed in a pollinator garden to help these stunning butterflies (and caterpillars) thrive.
TOMATO HORNWORMS (Manduca quinquemaculata)
Hornworms are sometimes regarded as pests in vegetable gardens, feeding on a variety of host plants from tomatoes to peppers and causing headaches for gardeners. Tomato hornworms have impressive green camouflage and, as their name suggests, they also sport a horn-like tail on their backend. And while they may need to be removed from plants to prevent damage, they do turn into large, brown sphinx moths that are often mistaken for hummingbirds due to their size.
EASTERN BLACK SWALLOWTAILS (Papilio polyxenes)
Another brilliant looking caterpillar, eastern black swallowtail butterflies are a common sight during the summer in Nebraska. While the butterflies themselves are large and black with signature “tails” on the hind wings, the caterpillars start as black and grow to become green with bands of black and yellow spotting. These caterpillars also have a special trick to help defend themselves against predators — they have a forked osmeterium, a scent gland they extend when threatened, making a foul odor. Black swallowtail caterpillars feed on plants in the carrot family, including dill, parsley and carrots.
With a watchful eye and maybe some patience, summer caterpillar encounters can be a rewarding experience. And while some caterpillars in the garden or landscape can be pests, just keep in mind their adult forms (butterflies and moths) can be important pollinators in the ecosystem. Consider planting a little extra to share with the wriggly, hungry caterpillars.
For insect identification and management tips, contact Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County at lancaster@unl.edu or 402‑441‑7180.