As adults the Citrus Butterflies are known to visit a variety of different flowers. They have also been observed puddling and they have been observed visiting dung, more specifically elephant dung.
The genus Papilio is Latin for Butterfly. The origin of the species is currently unknown.
Citrus Butterflies are found all across Africa in any habitat where their host plant can survive.
Males patrol for receptive females with which to mate. After mating, the female looks for host plants to lay her eggs on. After hatching, the larvae feed on the host plant leaves until they pupate.
There are multiple generations each year which makes it possible to find adults year round.
The Citrus Butterfly looks almost exactly the same as an Asian species known as the Lime Butterfly (Papilio demoleus). In the U.S. the importation of the Lime Butterfly is no longer allowed for public display. The lack of the Lime Butterfly in public displays makes the correct identification of the Citrus Butterfly much easier.
