Spice bush swallowtail larvae - Ask Extension
Hello, I planted spicebush seedlings in he spring to grow out for planting in the fall. I had them on the patio in full sun, then moved them to the ...
Knowledgebase
Spice bush swallowtail larvae #909880
Asked July 15, 2025, 6:36 AM EDT
Hello,
I planted spicebush seedlings in he spring to grow out for planting in the fall. I had them on the patio in full sun, then moved them to the pergola (on the patio) to reduce sun exposure. Shortly after moving them, I was very pleased to see spicebush swallowtail larvae. As they get larger should I move the plants out into the yard, so the larvae have better access to places to pupate?
Anne Arundel County Maryland
Expert Response
You can if you want, but it's probably not necessary, since caterpillars will wander off of the host plant to pupate, and can be found on a variety of surfaces, natural and otherwise. If you're worried a wandering caterpillar or pupa will be stepped-on, or if an emerging adult will be trapped by a screened-in area, then it might be best to move them into the yard when they're ready to leave the Spicebush. Bear in mind that some might get eaten by predators, parasitized, fall victim to infections, or disappear for other reasons, so by the time they'd be old enough to warrant moving the potted plants, the plant might appear to be devoid of caterpillars, which is normal.
Miri
Miri