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Citrus swallowtail

Citrus swallowtail

Papilio demodocus

A species of Swallowtails, Also known as Orange dog, Citrus butterfly

Papilio demodocus , also known under the English name Citrus Swallowtail ("Citrus Swallowtail"), is a butterfly from the family of the knight butterflies (Papilionidae).

General Info About Citrus swallowtail
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Attributes of Citrus swallowtail
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Citrus swallowtail is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Citrus 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 Citrus 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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Life Cycle of Citrus swallowtail
Egg At this initial stage, the citrus swallowtail lays eggs that are minuscule and vary in color. These eggs represent the embryonic phase where the future larvae develop.
Larva Upon hatching, larvae or caterpillars emerge, characterized by their voracious appetite, growing significantly in size. These larvae will molt several times, shedding their skin to accommodate their rapid growth.
Pupal The larvae then enter the pupation stage, forming a chrysalis around themselves. During this transformational phase, the larval body structures are broken down and reorganized into adult features.
Adult Emerging from the chrysalis, the adult citrus swallowtail's development is complete with the presence of wings and reproductive organs, showcasing distinct colors and patterns, prepared for dispersal and mating.
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Adult Size of Citrus swallowtail
9 - 11 cm
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Predators of Citrus swallowtail Larvae
Birds, spiders, ants, wasps, mantises, rodents
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Predators of Adult Citrus swallowtail
Birds, spiders, praying mantises, lizards, frogs, dragonflies
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Interesting Facts About Citrus swallowtail
Citrus swallowtail larvae can drastically change their appearance, resembling bird droppings as a defense mechanism to deter predators.
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Scientific Classification of Citrus swallowtail
Tips for Finding Citrus swallowtail
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How Can You Attract Citrus swallowtail
Generally, to attract citrus swallowtail at various stages of its life, people may use host plants for caterpillars or provide nectar sources for adult citrus swallowtail.
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Habitat Preferences of Citrus swallowtail Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of citrus swallowtail are often found on the underside of leaves of their host plants, including various citrus species in gardens and orchards. Searching for larvae would require inspecting the host plants, where caterpillars are easily spotted due to their vibrant colors and patterns. They tend to feed on the foliage, and evidence of their presence includes chewed leaves and frass. Pupae may be more challenging to locate as they often blend in with their surroundings and can be found on twigs or the bark of the host plants, employing effective camouflage. Adults, being highly mobile, are generally found in areas with abundant flowering plants that provide nectar, such as open fields, edges of forests, and gardens where they can feed and mate.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Citrus swallowtail
The most suitable time to find citrus swallowtail is during warm and sunny days when adult citrus swallowtail are most active flying and feeding. The active periods can vary depending on the geographical location.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Citrus swallowtail
Warm, sunny, and calm weather conditions are preferable for finding citrus swallowtail since they are ectothermic and rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature.
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How and Where Can You Find Citrus swallowtail at Different Life Stages
Egg Eggs of citrus swallowtail are typically laid on the host plants. To find them, inspect the leaves of known host plants for small, spherical or ovate eggs that might be camouflaged.
Larva Citrus swallowtail caterpillars can be found by looking for signs of feeding damage on host plants or by searching for their frass (droppings) on the ground beneath host plants.
Pupal To locate citrus swallowtail in its pupal stage, search for chrysalides attached to host plants or nearby structures, often relatively hidden and camouflaged to resemble the surrounding environment.
Adult Adult citrus swallowtail are attracted to colorful flowers that provide nectar. They are best found by visiting gardens or wildflower fields during the day when they are most active in sunny weather.
Are Citrus swallowtail harmful?
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Usually, the citrus 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 Citrus 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 Citrus swallowtail
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Agricultural Pests

Larvae of citrus swallowtail are known to cause mild to severe defoliation of citrus plants. Younger trees may suffer more, with foliage loss impeding growth and fruit production. A large infestation can lead to complete defoliation, impacting commercial yields and increasing vulnerability to hazards.

More Effects of Citrus swallowtail

Beneficial Effects of Citrus 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
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Shape
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Citrus swallowtail is known to favor the blooms of Asteraceae and fruit trees. As they flit from flower to flower in search of nectar, their bodies inadvertently gather and transfer pollen. The vibrant colors and inviting shapes of these flowers serve as beacons for citrus swallowtail, guiding them to their next meal.
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