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Diary of a Spicebush Swallowtail Caterpillar

May 8, 2022 By Talya Tate Boerner 11 Comments

Spicebush Swallowtail Caterpillar

Pour yourself a cup of coffee and prepare to fall in love again. I’ve been sooooo excited to share my diary of a certain cute spicebush swallowtail caterpillar. If you followed my butterfly stories last summer, you might remember that I was a bit obsessed with raising butterflies on the back porch. I successfully released 50 butterflies—44 monarchs and 6 eastern black swallowtails.

And, at the end of the season, after the last monarch had headed to Mexico where they hibernate for winter, two spicebush swallowtail chrysalises lagged behind, still in the chrysalis stage.

So here’s my diary of a spicebush swallowtail caterpillar. Two caterpillars, actually.

Continue Reading

The Little Pipevine That Could

May 28, 2020 By Talya Tate Boerner 8 Comments

The Little Pipevine That Could

Two days ago, the best thing happened! The Little Pipevine That Could arrived on our doorstep.

Let me explain…

I’d been looking EVERYWHERE to purchase a pipevine plant. Pipevine is the host plant for the Pipevine Swallowtail, and I want to add it to our butterfly garden. Unfortunately, pipevine plants are difficult to locate. This spring, they quickly sold out at all the regular garden places I visit (if they were there to begin with). The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks offered a few starters at its spring sale, but I was a few minutes late to the on-line party and missed out. Continue Reading

Silvery Checkerspot Caterpillars!

August 8, 2018 By Talya Tate Boerner 4 Comments

Silvery Checkerspot Caterpillar

How about a quick gardening lesson this morning? About the Silvery Checkerspot Caterpillar that’s doing a number on my echinacea? Seriously! I was only in Orlando one weekend. But during that time, my coneflowers became infested to the point they are downright Halloween-y-ish.

I told you fall was coming early this year… Continue Reading

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Talya Tate Boerner


Hi! I'm Talya. Writer, Reader, Arkansas Master Naturalist / Master Gardener, Author of

THE ACCIDENTAL SALVATION OF GRACIE LEE (2016)

GENE, EVERYWHERE: a life-changing visit from my father-in-law (2020)

BERNICE RUNS AWAY (Now Available!)

Click to BUY NOW!

Talya Tate Boerner books
Gene, Everywhere

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