Swallowtail caterpillar visiting my garden :)

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I spotted something colorful resting on our plants and when I came closer I saw this beautiful caterpillar...

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Found on Ruta graveolens - commonly known as rue

This plant is native to the Balkan Peninsula, but can be found in gardens throughout the world. We have a couple of these plants in the corner of our garden.

It has bluish leaves that look very decorative, especially during winter period when there is almost nothing happening in the garden...

These plants have strong scent that is sometimes used as insect repellent, but swallowtail caterpillars don't mind it :)

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Actually, they feed on rue, as well as other plants like parsley, dill, parsnips...

So if you have some of these plants in your garden and you don't spray them - check them out - maybe you have some interesting guests there :)

In a few weeks this caterpillar will go through metamorphosis - one of the most fascinating processes of nature! From caterpillar to beautiful butterfly...

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In my country (Croatia) this is one of the most beautiful species of day butterflies and it is protected by the law.

But even if it's not I couldn't hurt this little creature... After taking these photos I left our new garden guest alone :) I love that he passed by... Hope you like it also...

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Until next time - stay curious, stay playful, stay connected with life all around...

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