![]() Other parasitoidal wasps in families such as Chalcididae and Braconidae (for example genus Apanteles) attack the larvae, and Pteromalidae (for example genus Pteromalus) are parasitoids of the pupae. In particular parasitic wasps in the family Encyrtidae, such as some species of the genus Ooencyrtus develop in Papilio eggs. Female butterflies tend to be larger than males.Īn adult visiting ixoras in the garden Natural enemies Īs with most butterflies, various predators, parasitoids and diseases attack Papilio demodocus, so that integrated pest management is generally the most rational approach to control of infestations, paying due attention to avoiding destruction of the populations of enemies. They remain in the pupal form for two to three weeks before emerging as adults.Īdult butterflies have black and yellow markings with red and blue eyespots. The caterpillars attach themselves to branches with silk, transforming into pupae. The larvae are sometimes known as 'orange dogs'. The organ emits a strong smell which acts as a discouragement to the predator. Instead, when threatened by a bird or other predator, they produce a forked, orange-coloured organ known as an osmeterium. Mature caterpillars lack the camouflage of their immature state. They grow to a maximum length of about 45 mm. Mature larvae are green with white or pink markings and eyespots. They grow to a length of 10 or 15 mm before changing into mature larvae. Their coloration provides effective camouflage, as they resemble bird droppings. The immature larvae are black, yellow, and white with spikes. After about six days, the egg hatches into an immature larva. Life cycle Ĭitrus swallowtails pass through approximately three generations per year.įemale butterflies lay their eggs singly on citrus leaves. The caterpillars feed on various native plants of especially the family Rutaceae, but have also taken to the leaves of cultivated citrus trees. Papilio demodocus, the citrus swallowtail or Christmas butterfly, is a swallowtail butterfly which commonly occurs over the entirety of sub-Saharan Africa, including Madagascar, besides the southern Arabian Peninsula. Papilio demodocus albicans Suffert, 1904. ![]() Papilio demodocus decusdemo Suffert, 1904.
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