Dill is a fragrant and feathery herb, valued for both culinary and medicinal uses, but its delicate structure makes it an inviting target for many leaf-feeding organisms. Its soft, finely divided leaves are especially vulnerable, as they are easy to chew and contain aromatic compounds that attract a variety of feeders. This often leads to noticeable damage in gardens where dill is grown alongside other herbs and vegetables.
One of the most common signs of trouble is the sudden appearance of holes or missing sections in the leaves. Instead of the lush, full foliage gardeners expect, dill plants may develop a ragged look, with leaves reduced to stems. In severe cases, entire plants may appear stripped, leaving behind little more than skeletal remains of what was once vibrant greenery.
Another type of damage occurs when portions of dill are bound together with fine threads. Inside these shelters, feeding continues unnoticed until leaves shrivel and lose their bright green color. The delicate appearance of webbing across dill plants is not only unsightly but also weakens the plant’s ability to grow and thrive.
Beyond chewing, some feeders drain the juices from dill stems and leaves. This form of damage is more subtle, causing yellowing, curling, or mottled patches that spread slowly across the plant. Instead of ragged edges, the foliage looks limp and sickly, often accompanied by sticky residues or fine speckling that indicate the plant is being sapped of its strength.
The intensity of the damage often depends on environmental conditions. Warm, dry weather can lead to sudden population surges of certain organisms, while overcrowded gardens make it easier for them to spread. When unchecked, even a small number of feeders can multiply quickly, turning minor leaf blemishes into widespread destruction across an entire bed of dill.
Despite the harm they cause, these feeders are part of a larger ecological cycle. They provide nourishment for beneficial creatures that help maintain balance in the garden.
Pests and Caterpillars That Eat Dill
Black Swallowtail Caterpillar (Papilio polyxenes)
This caterpillar is one of the most common feeders on dill. It starts off looking like bird droppings in its early stages, then transforms into a bright green larva with black bands and yellow spots. They chew through leaves quickly, sometimes defoliating entire sections of dill plants.
Parsleyworm (another form of Swallowtail Larva)
Closely related to the black swallowtail, this larva also targets dill, parsley, and fennel. It has similar markings and feeds voraciously on the feathery leaves. While often tolerated by gardeners because it develops into a beautiful butterfly, it can still cause significant damage.
Armyworms (Spodoptera spp.)
These caterpillars travel in groups, consuming dill leaves in a short period of time. They chew irregular holes and can skeletonize plants if infestations are heavy. Their group-feeding behavior makes them especially destructive in vegetable gardens.
Cutworms (Agrotis spp.)
Cutworms are nocturnal feeders that chew on young dill seedlings. They not only eat the leaves but may also cut the stems at the soil surface, causing entire plants to collapse. This makes them particularly dangerous to young dill patches.
Webworms (Pyrausta spp.)
These small caterpillars spin silk webs around dill foliage, binding leaves together. Inside the webbing, they feed safely, causing the plant to appear shriveled and messy. Webworm infestations often spread quickly if not controlled.
Aphids (Aphididae family)
Tiny sap-sucking insects, aphids cluster on dill stems and leaves, extracting plant juices. Their feeding causes leaves to curl, yellow, or become stunted. They also excrete sticky honeydew, which can attract mold and further stress the plant.
Spider Mites (Tetranychidae family)
Though microscopic, spider mites can infest dill leaves, causing tiny speckled yellow patches. In severe cases, fine webbing may appear. They weaken the plant by draining its juices, making it less productive.
Leafminers (Agromyzidae family)
These pests burrow into dill leaves, leaving behind winding, pale trails across the surface. While the larvae remain hidden inside the leaf, their feeding disrupts photosynthesis and reduces the plant’s overall health.
Cabbage Looper (Trichoplusia ni)
Though it prefers members of the cabbage family, this caterpillar also feeds on dill. Recognizable by its looping “inchworm” movement, it chews large, irregular holes in the leaves. When populations are high, dill plants can become heavily defoliated.
Garden Webworm (Loxostege similalis)
This pest spins fine silk over dill leaves and feeds beneath the cover. The damage includes skeletonized leaves and discolored patches. Heavy infestations make plants appear scorched or tangled in webbing.
Beet Armyworm (Spodoptera exigua)
A highly destructive caterpillar, the beet armyworm feeds on dill leaves, shoots, and sometimes flowers. It has a broad diet and can strip entire plants when present in numbers, making it a threat in herb gardens.
Glassy Cutworm (Apamea devastator)
This soil-dwelling pest climbs dill plants to chew leaves at night but also cuts stems at the base. Its dual feeding habit makes it a persistent problem, especially for young, tender dill plants.
Tarnished Plant Bug (Lygus lineolaris)
This piercing-sucking insect targets dill foliage and stems, leaving behind tiny brown or yellow spots. Feeding weakens the plant and can cause distorted growth, reducing the quality of both leaves and seeds.
Thrips (Frankliniella spp.)
These slender, fast-moving insects scrape dill leaves and flowers to feed on plant juices. Their activity leaves silvery streaks and black specks of waste. In addition to cosmetic damage, they reduce the vigor of the plant.
Grasshoppers (Acrididae family)
Opportunistic feeders, grasshoppers chew through dill leaves quickly, leaving ragged edges and sometimes devouring entire stems. Outbreaks can devastate large patches of dill in gardens or fields.
Whiteflies (Aleyrodidae family)
These tiny, winged insects cluster beneath dill leaves, sucking plant juices. Infestations lead to yellowing, leaf drop, and the spread of sticky honeydew that can attract fungal growth.