Caterpillars on my lime tree

Posted on by

My latest YouTube video: “Caterpillars on my lime tree – citrus butterfly 2022.”

Citrus butterfly larvae are quite common on citrus plants. There are couple of species involved: large citrus butterfly (Papilio aegus) – aka orchard swallowtail; and small citrus butterfly (Papilio anactus) – aka dainty swallowtail. They are both native butterfly species which breed on native as well as cultivated citrus. The species I get in my garden regularly  – usually on my lime tree – is the small citrus butterfly which is more correctly known as the dainty swallowtail.

I find the damage from their caterpillars, which grow to about 45 mm long, to be minor. I tolerate that damage because I like to have the native butterflies in my garden. This year the butterflies are under threat from a parasitic wasp. This is a tale of unusual connections and unintended consequences. I hope you enjoy the video.

Post Views: 9,399

2 Replies to “Caterpillars on my lime tree”

  1. As always, loved it. My daughter and I watched a butterfly hatch from a caterpillar that happily munched on her citrus. It was enormous and we were lucky enough to be there while its wings were drying. Such special moments.