Papilio demodocus

Citrus Butterfly or Orange Dog

Basic Information

General information

Family: “Papilionidae”
Sub Family: “Papilioninae”
Estimated Lifespan 18 Days

Garden Specific Information

Estimated Number In Flight: 0
Total Number of Pupae Received: 2113
First Flown On: 11/12/02
Last Flown On: 08/11/23

Species Range:

  • “Africa”

Host plants:

  • The larvae feed on Citrus plants but they have been observed on other related species.

Food Source

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.

Etymology Of Name

The genus Papilio is Latin for Butterfly. The origin of the species is currently unknown.

Habitat

Citrus Butterflies are found all across Africa in any habitat where their host plant can survive.

Life history

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.

Flights

There are multiple generations each year which makes it possible to find adults year round.

Fun Facts

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.