Lime Butterfly
Image: कृष्ण कान्त शर्मा (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common NameLime Butterfly
Scientific NamePapilio demoleus
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)90
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsblack, yellow, red, blue
HabitatOpen country, gardens, orchards, scrubland, urban areas
Geographic RangeAsia (from Arabian Peninsula to India, Southeast Asia, Australia), parts of the Caribbean and South America
Host PlantsCitrus spp., Murraya koenigii, Aegle marmelos, Ziziphus mauritiana
Flight PeriodMultiple broods throughout the year in tropical regions
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Caterpillars are initially bird-dropping mimics, later turning green with white markings and false eyespots. Pupae are green or brown, camouflaged as a twig or leaf.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its black and yellow spotted pattern, the absence of tails on the hindwings, and the prominent red and blue eyespot on the hindwings. Often found near citrus trees.
Description
A medium to large black swallowtail butterfly with numerous irregular yellow spots and bands across its wings. The hindwings feature a distinctive red eyespot with a blue crescent and black spots, but notably lacks tails.
