Parsley, with its tender leaves and aromatic qualities, often becomes a target for creatures that find it a nourishing food source. In gardens and farms, the bright green foliage provides an inviting meal, and many small organisms have adapted specifically to feed on its soft tissue. This makes the plant vulnerable, especially during its early stages of growth when it cannot easily recover from heavy feeding.
The damage typically begins with small nibbles along the edges of the leaves. Over time, these nibbles expand into irregular holes, thinning the canopy of the plant. In some cases, entire sections of leaves may be consumed, leaving only stems behind. The visible signs of feeding are often the first clue to the gardener that something is present, even if the culprits remain hidden during the day.
Another common pattern of damage involves leaves being bound together or covered with fine silk. This behavior creates a protective shelter for the feeders as they continue to consume the plant from within. The affected foliage becomes twisted, shriveled, or webbed, reducing the parsley’s visual appeal and culinary value. Such damage also stresses the plant, making it less vigorous overall.
In addition to physical chewing, some attackers drain the plant’s fluids directly. This leads to curled, yellowing, or stunted growth. Instead of holes, the leaves may show discoloration or mottled patches, symptoms that can be just as damaging as chewing. These issues not only weaken the plant but may also reduce its flavor and productivity in the kitchen.
The intensity of feeding often depends on the season and local conditions. In warm months, populations of these organisms can increase rapidly, overwhelming parsley beds if left unchecked. Small infestations may cause only cosmetic damage, but larger ones can devastate an entire crop. For those growing parsley commercially, this can lead to significant losses.
Despite the challenges, these feeders are a natural part of the ecosystem. They provide sustenance for birds, beneficial insects, and other predators that help keep their numbers under control.
Pests And Caterpillars That Eat Parsley
Black Swallowtail Caterpillar (Papilio polyxenes)
Perhaps the most famous parsley feeder, this striking green caterpillar with black bands and yellow spots is a common sight in herb gardens. It feeds on parsley leaves throughout its larval stage, sometimes stripping plants down to the stems. Though a beautiful butterfly emerges, the caterpillar stage can be highly destructive to crops.
Beet Armyworm (Spodoptera exigua)
This small green caterpillar is a generalist feeder that targets many vegetable crops, including parsley. It skeletonizes leaves, chewing away the green tissue and leaving only the veins. Infestations can quickly reduce a plant’s vitality.
Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda)
Another armyworm species, this one feeds on parsley along with a wide range of herbs and vegetables. Its chewing causes ragged holes, and in high numbers it can defoliate entire rows of plants. They often feed at night, making damage visible the following morning.
Parsleyworm (Papilio polyxenes asterius, larval stage)
A close relation of the black swallowtail, this is another caterpillar stage that loves parsley, dill, and related plants. Its coloration helps it blend in with foliage, making it hard to spot until the damage becomes extensive.
Cutworms (Agrotis spp.)
These soil-dwelling caterpillars chew through parsley stems at the base, causing young plants to collapse. They feed at night and hide during the day, making them particularly frustrating for gardeners.
Cabbage Looper (Trichoplusia ni)
This looping caterpillar feeds on parsley leaves, chewing irregular holes and leaving the plant ragged. Though more commonly associated with cabbages, they readily switch to parsley when available.
Variegated Cutworm (Peridroma saucia)
Another cutworm species, it not only severs stems near the soil but also climbs to feed on parsley leaves. They are especially destructive in seedlings and young plants.
Celery Looper (Anagrapha falcifera)
Closely tied to parsley’s cousin celery, this green caterpillar also feeds on parsley leaves. It chews away large sections, leaving irregularly shaped holes across the foliage.
Parsley Leafminer (Liriomyza huidobrensis)
Though not a caterpillar, this small fly’s larvae burrow into parsley leaves, creating winding, pale trails called “mines.” These tunnels weaken the plant and make the leaves unsightly.
Carrot Rust Fly Larvae (Psila rosae)
A pest of parsley and other Apiaceae family members, the larvae tunnel into roots, but also damage stems and lower foliage. Infested plants wilt and yellow quickly, reducing yields.
Celeryworm (Papilio polyxenes, alternate common name)
This is another name for the black swallowtail caterpillar in its early stages, which continues to be one of the most persistent leaf-feeders on parsley and related herbs.
Garden Webworm (Achyra rantalis)
This caterpillar spins silken webs over parsley leaves and feeds beneath them. The damage appears as skeletonized leaves, with silk and frass left behind.
Beet Webworm (Loxostege sticticalis)
Another web-making pest, it consumes parsley foliage under protective silk coverings. Heavy infestations can defoliate entire plants.
Bertha Armyworm (Mamestra configurata)
This pest occasionally targets parsley when populations are high. Its larvae feed on leaves, chewing holes and sometimes consuming entire leaflets.
Parsley Aphid (Cavariella aegopodii)
Though not a caterpillar, aphids are major parsley pests. They suck sap from leaves and stems, causing curling, yellowing, and stunted growth. Large colonies weaken plants quickly.
Tarnished Plant Bug (Lygus lineolaris)
This sap-feeding insect punctures parsley leaves and stems, leaving small discolored spots and causing leaves to distort. Their feeding reduces the overall vigor of the plant.
Celery Armyworm (Spodoptera spp.)
Closely related to other armyworm species, this pest occasionally targets parsley when present in large numbers. It chews irregular holes in leaves and can quickly strip young plants of foliage. Their tendency to feed in groups makes them especially damaging during outbreaks.
Parsley Webworm (Pyrausta spp.)
This caterpillar spins protective silk around parsley leaves, feeding within the shelter. The damage often looks like shriveled or webbed clumps of leaves. Left unchecked, they can weaken the plant and reduce usable harvests.
Glassy Cutworm (Apamea devastator)
Unlike some cutworms that only target stems, the glassy cutworm also feeds on parsley foliage. It creates irregular bite marks on leaves while also occasionally cutting seedlings near the soil, making it a double threat to gardeners.
Green Peach Aphid (Myzus persicae)
This tiny sap-sucking pest infests parsley leaves and stems, draining plant fluids. Infested plants often curl, yellow, and produce less foliage. Beyond direct damage, they also spread plant viruses, compounding the harm.
Garden Tortrix (Clepsis peritana)
This small caterpillar folds parsley leaves and secures them with silk, feeding from within. The rolled and chewed leaves are often the first sign of infestation. While damage may appear localized, widespread feeding can stress entire plants.