Anise Swallowtail (Papilio zelicaon) Caterpillars love gymnastics too…

anise cat

Just look at this bridge… such form (excels in eating)… a future olympian to be sure!

anise cat 2

These flexible feeders bend over backwards for their preferred host plant, Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), which is also known as Wild Anise.

anise swallowtail

Other hosts for the Anise Swallowtail include Parsley, Dill and Queen Anne’s Lace, all of which come from the Carrot or Umbel Family.