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Lime swallowtail

Lime swallowtail

Papilio demoleus

A species of Swallowtails, Also known as Lemon butterfly, Checkered swallowtail, Small citrus butterfly, Lemon swallowtail, Lemon caterpillar

The lime swallowtail (Papilio demoleus) has a beautiful black and white pattern, but it's considered a major pest to citrus trees. It feeds on nearly any type of citrus, including oranges and limes. This butterfly's small, green larvae are capable of defoliating an entire nursery grove. They are truly trouble makers in the citrus orchard.

General Info About Lime swallowtail
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Attributes of Lime swallowtail
Colors
Black
Yellow
White
Habitat
savannahs; fallow land; garden; forest; stream; riverbed
Adult Food Sources
Flower nectar from lantana, jasmine, ixora, tridax, lavender
Larva Food Source
Citrus leaves, murraya leaves, rutaceae plant leaves
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Lime swallowtail is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
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Species Status of Lime swallowtail
It is a pest and invasive species, found from Asia to Australia.
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Distribution Area of Lime swallowtail
Asia, Australia
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Life Cycle of Lime swallowtail
Egg The egg of lime swallowtail is laid on host plants. Each is small and round, changing color slightly as the embryo develops. Initially, it's imperceptible to predators due to camouflage.
Larva Upon hatching, the caterpillar of lime swallowtail is worm-like, with a strong appetite for leaves. It grows rapidly, shedding its skin multiple times. The colors and patterns serve as a warning to predators.
Pupal After reaching a sufficient size, lime swallowtail forms a chrysalis where it undergoes a significant transformation. Its size increases, and its structure is completely reorganized for the adult stage.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult lime 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.
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Adult Size of Lime swallowtail
8 - 9 cm
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Interesting Facts About Lime swallowtail
When threatened, lime swallowtail larvae mimic snake heads to ward off predators, a stunning example of defensive mimicry.
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Scientific Classification of Lime swallowtail
Tips for Finding Lime swallowtail
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Youth Habitat of Lime swallowtail
Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Urban and Suburban Areas, Tropical Rainforests
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Adult Habitat of Lime swallowtail
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Freshwater Habitats, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Tropical Rainforests, Savannas, Mangroves and Coastal Wetlands
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How Can You Attract Lime swallowtail
Host plants that lime swallowtail larvae feed on, typically citrus species for this butterfly, may be used as natural lures.
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Habitat Preferences of Lime swallowtail Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of lime swallowtail are typically found on the underside of leaves of host plants, particularly citrus species in gardens and orchards. Caterpillars, which hatch from the eggs, are usually located on the same host plants, feeding on the leaves and camouflaged against predators. When seeking pupae, search the nearby stems and leaves where caterpillars affix themselves to undergo metamorphosis into chrysalides. Adult lime swallowtail, when emerged, can be found fluttering in a variety of habitats including gardens, fields, and forest edges, particularly where nectar sources and host plants are abundant.
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How and Where Can You Find Lime swallowtail at Different Life Stages
Egg Eggs of lime swallowtail are laid on the underside of host plant leaves. To locate them, inspect the leaves of citrus family plants for small, spherical eggs.
Larva Lime swallowtail caterpillars can be found on host plants. Search the leaves and stems of citrus trees and related species for these larvae, which may be camouflaged.
Pupal Chrysalises of lime swallowtail are often well-hidden, attached to the stems or leaves of host plants. Look for them by checking the lower branches and sheltered spots on citrus trees.
Adult Lime swallowtail butterflies are typically seen flying around and feeding on nectar. Observe flowering plants, particularly those in sunny, open areas, to spot them.
Are Lime swallowtail harmful?
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Usually, the lime 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 Lime 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 Lime swallowtail
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Agricultural Pests

Larvae of lime swallowtail are notorious for their voracious appetite for citrus leaves and fruits, which can lead to defoliation and yield loss. In small numbers, the damage may go unnoticed, yet a large infestation can severely impact citrus production, potentially harming the livelihood of farmers and affecting the food supply.

More Effects of Lime swallowtail

Beneficial Effects of Lime 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
Fruit Trees, Rutaceae
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Lime swallowtail is a known pollinator with a predilection for fruit trees and plants of the Rutaceae family. This insect is drawn to flowers by their vivid colors and enticing scents. While feeding on pollen, lime swallowtail inadvertently transfers pollen, assisting in plant reproduction.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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