Lime Swallowtail
Common NameLime Swallowtail
Scientific NamePapilio demoleus
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)80
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsblack, white, red
HabitatOpen country, gardens, orchards, urban areas, forest edges
Geographic RangeAsia, Middle East, Oceania, Caribbean, Central America
Host PlantsCitrus spp., Murraya koenigii, Aegle marmelos
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical climates, multiple broods
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae mimic bird droppings in early instars, later becoming green with white markings. Pupae are typically green or brown, camouflaged as twigs or leaves.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its black and white spotted pattern, the absence of tails on its hindwings (unusual for a swallowtail), and the prominent red-orange eyespot on the hindwing.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with black wings heavily marked with irregular white spots and a prominent red-orange eyespot on the hindwings. The body is black with white stripes.
