Citrus Swallowtail
Image: Rijksmuseum (CC0)
Common NameCitrus Swallowtail
Scientific NamePapilio demoleus
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)90
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsblack, yellow
HabitatGardens, orchards, open woodlands, scrublands, agricultural areas, urban parks
Geographic RangeAsia, Middle East, Oceania, parts of Africa
Host PlantsCitrus species, Murraya koenigii, Aegle marmelos
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions; multiple broods in warmer temperate zones
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are initially cryptic, resembling bird droppings, then become green with false eye-spots. Pupae are camouflaged as twigs.
Identification TipsKey features include the absence of tails, the prominent black and yellow spotted pattern, and the presence of red and blue ocelli near the tornus of the hindwings (though not visible in monochrome prints).
Description
A medium-sized, tailless swallowtail butterfly with black wings heavily patterned with irregular cream to yellow spots and patches, and a distinctive series of submarginal spots on the hindwings.
