Citrus Butterfly (Lemon Butterfly)

📖 Description

Citrus Butterfly (Papilio demoleus), also called Lemon Butterfly or Lime Butterfly, is a major defoliator of citrus across the Indian subcontinent, particularly damaging in citrus nurseries and young orchards of Andhra Pradesh (Nagpur mandarin belt), Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Punjab and Assam where citrus is grown on over 1 million hectares. The larva (caterpillar) is a classic example of Batesian mimicry — early instars mimic bird droppings (dark brown with white markings) to avoid predation, while later instars are leaf-green to camouflage against foliage. When disturbed, the larva everts a forked orange osmeterium behind the head that emits a foul-smelling secretion to deter predators. Beyond direct defoliation, the pest is most damaging in nurseries and young orchards where complete defoliation can stunt growth or kill young plants. Mature orchards typically tolerate moderate infestations without significant yield loss. IPM with hand-collection of larvae, Bt applications against early instars, conservation of native parasitoids (especially the ichneumonid Trogus mactator which parasitizes late-instar larvae) and need-based insecticide use provides effective control. The pest is most active during the spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) citrus flushes.