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Orchard swallowtail

Orchard swallowtail

Papilio aegeus

A species of Swallowtails, Also known as Orchard butterfly

The orchard swallowtail (Papilio aegeus) is a swallowtail butterfly without the long tail. Despite the confusion, it is still a beautiful butterfly that is a combination of black, white, and orange. While they are typically in Australia, they are known to expand their territory to Victoria when citrus trees are abundant. This gives it the secondary name of the Large citrus butterfly.

General Info About Orchard swallowtail
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Attributes of Orchard swallowtail
Colors
Black
Red
White
Habitat
citrus fruit orchard; sunny land; forest; forest edge
Adult Food Sources
Nectar from flowers of lantana, buddleja, hibiscus, grevillea, lavandula
Larva Food Source
Citrus leaves, murraya paniculata, citrus limon, citrus aurantium, citrus aurantifolia
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Pollinator
The Orchard swallowtail is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Orchard swallowtail feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
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Species Status of Orchard swallowtail
It is found in eastern Australia and Papua New Guinea.
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Distribution Area of Orchard swallowtail
Eastern Australia, Papua New Guinea
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Life Cycle of Orchard swallowtail
Egg The eggs of orchard swallowtail are laid on host plants and are spherical or oval in shape. They are typically small, with a varying color that can camouflage with the surroundings. This stage is solely for the purpose of developing into the next stage.
Larva As larvae, orchard swallowtail are commonly referred to as caterpillars. They exhibit rapid growth, molting several times as they outgrow their exoskeletons. Colors and patterns are species-specific, aiding in camouflage or warning predators. The main function is feeding for growth.
Pupal In this stage, orchard swallowtail transforms within a chrysalis. The body is immobile and undergoes significant changes. Size can vary, but typically remains small. The color often blends with the environment providing protection from predators during this vulnerable time.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult orchard swallowtail’s development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction and in some species, feeding.
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Adult Size of Orchard swallowtail
10 - 12 cm
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Interesting Facts About Orchard swallowtail
Orchard swallowtail caterpillars deceive predators by resembling bird droppings during early stages of development, a unique form of camouflage.
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Scientific Classification of Orchard swallowtail
Tips for Finding Orchard swallowtail
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Youth Habitat of Orchard swallowtail
Forests and Woodlands, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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Adult Habitat of Orchard swallowtail
Forests and Woodlands, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Grasslands and Prairies, Savannas
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How Can You Attract Orchard swallowtail
For orchard swallowtail, bait traps with ripe fruit or fermented sugary solutions can be effective as they are attracted to these substances.
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Habitat Preferences of Orchard swallowtail Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of orchard swallowtail are typically found on the underside of leaves of host plants, often belonging to the Rutaceae family. Caterpillars, or larvae, tend to remain on these host plants, consuming the leaves as they grow. As they enter the pupal stage, they attach themselves to stems or leaves of the host plant or nearby objects for metamorphosis. Adult orchard swallowtail, with their striking wing patterns, are most often encountered in open woodlands, along forest edges, and near creeks or rivers where nectar plants abound.
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How and Where Can You Find Orchard swallowtail at Different Life Stages
Egg Eggs of orchard swallowtail are usually laid singly on the host plants. To find them, inspect the undersides of leaves of known host species in your area.
Larva Larvae, or caterpillars, of orchard swallowtail can be found feeding on the leaves of host plants. Look for signs of feeding, like chewed leaves, and search the plant thoroughly.
Pupal Orchard swallowtail pupae are often concealed in foliage or on the ground. They can be located by checking the host plant and surrounding area for their camouflaged chrysalises.
Adult Adult orchard swallowtail are best found by visiting flowers they are known to feed on. Walking slowly through habitats like meadows or edges of forests and watching for their flight pattern can also yield sightings.
Are Orchard swallowtail harmful?
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Usually, the orchard swallowtail won't threaten or hurt humans. But remember that even a worm will turn. Remember to still be cautious.

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Are Orchard swallowtail harmful to humans?

They are not a poisonous butterfly, but they have a special gland that secretes bad smells and chemicals.
Harmful Effects of Orchard swallowtail
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Hurt Plant

The larval stage of orchard swallowtail feeds on the leaves of various host plants. Over time, this can lead to defoliation, weakening the plants significantly, potentially followed by stunted growth or even death if left unchecked.

More Effects of Orchard swallowtail

Beneficial Effects of Orchard swallowtail
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Prefer Plant Type
Asteraceae, Fruit Trees
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar, Accidental Contamination While Feeding On Nectar
Orchard swallowtail is an active pollinator, visiting flowers mainly for feeding on nectar. They are commonly attracted to brightly colored flowers and distinct shapes. While they feed, pollen sticks to their bodies and is incidentally transferred to other flowers, aiding in cross-pollination.
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