Will Swallowtail Caterpillars Eat Cilantro

Swallowtail caterpillars will eat cilantro, and it can actually be a welcome snack for them in your garden.
 
If you’ve been wondering whether swallowtail caterpillars eat cilantro, the short answer is yes.
 
These caterpillars aren’t too picky, and cilantro is one of the many plants they’ll happily munch on if it’s available.
 
In this post, we’ll explore why swallowtail caterpillars eat cilantro, how to tell if they’re feeding on yours, and what it means for your herb garden.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

Why Swallowtail Caterpillars Will Eat Cilantro

Swallowtail caterpillars will eat cilantro for a few simple reasons.
 
Here’s why this herb ends up on their menu.
 

1. Cilantro Belongs to a Family They Love

Cilantro is part of the Apiaceae family, which includes carrots, parsley, dill, and fennel.
 
Many swallowtail species, especially black swallowtails, are drawn to plants in this family.
 
That’s why swallowtail caterpillars eat cilantro so readily when it’s growing nearby.
 
If you’ve planted cilantro, you’ve basically set the table for them.
 

2. The Leaves Are Tender and Easy to Chew

Young cilantro leaves are soft and packed with moisture.
 
For tiny caterpillars, that’s the perfect texture.
 
They can nibble through the foliage without much effort, which is why cilantro makes an easy meal for a hungry swallowtail caterpillar.
 

3. Cilantro Offers the Nutrients They Need

Cilantro leaves contain water, nitrogen, and other compounds that help caterpillars grow quickly.
 
Since caterpillars do most of their eating in a short time before pupating, they need plants that deliver good nutrition fast.
 
Cilantro fits that bill nicely.
 

4. The Scent Attracts Them

Swallowtail butterflies use their antennae to detect chemical cues from host plants.
 
Cilantro gives off a strong aroma that many swallowtails find irresistible.
 
That scent is one of the main reasons swallowtail caterpillars eat cilantro and keep coming back to it.
 

Signs Swallowtail Caterpillars Are Eating Your Cilantro

Not sure if swallowtail caterpillars are eating your cilantro?
 
Here are the telltale signs to watch for.
 

1. Chewed Leaves With Ragged Edges

Look for leaves that have uneven, nibbled edges.
 
Caterpillars often start at the outer edge and work their way inward, leaving a scalloped pattern behind.
 
If you see that on your cilantro, it’s a good clue that swallowtail caterpillars are eating it.
 

2. Tiny Droppings on the Soil or Leaves

Caterpillar frass looks like tiny dark pellets scattered around the plant.
 
If you spot these near your cilantro stems, you can bet a caterpillar is nearby.
 

3. Caterpillars Hiding Under Leaves

Swallowtail caterpillars often rest on the undersides of leaves during the day.
 
Check beneath the cilantro foliage in the morning or evening when they’re most active.
 

4. Stems That Look Stripped

Heavy feeding can leave cilantro stems bare.
 
When swallowtail caterpillars eat cilantro in large numbers, they can strip a plant down surprisingly fast.
 

What to Do If Swallowtail Caterpillars Eat Your Cilantro

So what should you do when swallowtail caterpillars eat cilantro in your garden?
 
Here are your best options.
 

1. Let Them Be

If you can spare the plant, just let them eat.
 
Swallowtail caterpillars are harmless to humans and they turn into beautiful pollinators.
 
Cilantro is fast-growing, so it’ll bounce back.
 

2. Plant Extra Cilantro as a Sacrificial Crop

One of the easiest ways to protect your main harvest is to plant extra.
 
Dedicate a patch just for the caterpillars so they eat that instead of your prized cilantro.
 

3. Relocate the Caterpillars

If you’d rather not share, gently move them to another host plant like dill or parsley.
 
Use a soft brush or your fingers and place them on the new plant.
 

4. Use Row Covers Early On

Floating row covers can keep butterflies from laying eggs on your cilantro in the first place.
 
Just remove them when your plants start flowering so pollinators can get in.
 

5. Harvest Cilantro Frequently

Regular harvesting keeps cilantro leafy and less appealing to egg-laying butterflies.
 
It also gives you fresh herbs for the kitchen, which is a win-win.
 

So, Will Swallowtail Caterpillars Eat Cilantro?

Swallowtail caterpillars will eat cilantro, and they often do it happily.
 
Cilantro is a member of the Apiaceae family, which makes it a natural host plant for many swallowtail species.
 
The tender leaves, strong scent, and valuable nutrients all make cilantro an easy target.
 
If you spot chewed leaves or tiny droppings, you’ll know swallowtail caterpillars are eating your cilantro.
 
You can let them munch, move them elsewhere, or plant extra to share.
 
Either way, now you know the answer to the question: will swallowtail caterpillars eat cilantro?
 
Yes, they will.