Swallowtail Butterfly (Papilio demoleus)
Swallowtail Butterfly
The Swallowtail Butterfly (Papilio demoleus), commonly known as the Lime Butterfly, Lemon Butterfly, or Citrus Swallowtail, is an aggressive agricultural pest. While its primary host family is Rutaceae (citrus crops like lime, lemon, orange, and pomelo), it is also known to feed on plants from families such as Rhamnaceae, Anacardiaceae, Apiaceae, Sapindaceae, and Fabaceae. The voracious feeding behavior of its larvae leads to severe defoliation, causing significant economic losses
Life Cycle of Swallowtail Butterfly
Eggs:
- Eggs are Pale yellow, spherical, and smooth. Laid singly on tender leaves and twigs of the host plant.
Larvae:
- Colour varies from dark brown to yellowish-green.
First instar: Black in colour, with two sub-dorsal rows of short fleshy spines.
Second, third, and fourth instar: Have a dark brown glossy head capsule.
Second to fourth instar are the most destructive, causing severe defoliation.
Pupa:
- Pupal stage lasts about 30 days in spring and 18 days in summer, varying with climatic conditions.
- Pupae are attached to leaves, twigs, or stems with a silken girdle.
Adult:
- Wingspan ranges from 80–100 mm.
- Forewings: Upper portion black; lower portion with irregular yellow spots along the outer margins.
- Hindwings: Characteristic patterns with black, yellow, and sometimes reddish markings.
How does it damage the plants?
- The newly hatched larvae start feeding on tender leaves.
- Caterpillar feeding habit is from edges to midrib.
- Affects both young and old plants but infestation is more pronounced in young orchards.
- In severe cases, it completely defoliates the new seedlings of the plants.
Severe Infection Period-
These insects are more damaging in March-May and again in August–October in Raipur condition.
How to manage or control Swallowtail Butterfly?
| Cultural & Biological Method | Chemical Control |
| Hand-picking of pests and destroying mechanically during the larval (caterpillar) and pupa stages.Spraying the crop with Neem Seed Kernel Extraction @ 5 ml/L water also reduces the insect infestation effectively. | Foliar Spray of Emamectin Benzoate 5 SG @ 1g /L water.Foliar Spray of Thiodicarb 75% WP @ 1 g/L water.Foliar Spray Abamectin @ 0.5ml/L water. |
