European Swallowtail eggs

[Deborah]

Hello. First post and not sure where best to put it.
I have rescued some newly laid Swallowtail eggs on fennel stems that had been cut down. Can I hatch these and return the caterpillars to another plant? If so how, and how long until they hatch and how/where do I keep the eggs? Thanks for any replies

[Pete Eeles]

Hi Deborah,

Can I hatch these and return the caterpillars to another plant?

Yes - just transfer the newly-emerged larva to the new plant using a fine brush.

how long until they hatch

That depends on the temperature. What part of the world are you in? It's usually around 12 days.

how/where do I keep the eggs?

Keep them in a sealed container, with some fresh fennel (replace daily), out of direct sunlight. Put some absorbent paper (e.g. loo roll) in the bottom of the container to absorb any moisture.

Cheers,

- Pete

[Deborah]

Thanks for that.
I am in Brittany, North West France. I will do all that you say and cross my fingers.

[Jack Harrison]

If you can't get hold of fennel, foliage from ordinary carrot tops will usually do.

Jack

[Deborah]

Thank you. I have lots of fennel. It's something that grows despite me!
I'm pretty rubbish at growing carrots normally.
Sod's law however prevails, and some of the eggs that the female laid are on the two carrot tops left in the garden over the winter - the roots being pathetic looking plants barely an inch across. I may well have to move them onto the fennel later!