Biology and morphometrics of citrus butterfly Papilio demoleus Linnaeus (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae) on Citrus limon (L.) osbeck

The biology of citrus butterfly was studied under laboratory conditions on lemon. Adult female laid eggs singly or in groups of two to five on the under surface of tender leaves and also on tender twigs. Oviposition usually took place during the night. The mean developmental period in days for the different life stages (egg to adult) of the lemon butterfly on citrus were 2.6 (egg), 16.56 (larval), 7.16 (pupal), 3.92 (adult male) and 6.80 (adult female). The total life cycle was completed in 24.68 days for males and 27.56 days for female. There were more females than males with a sex ratio of 1: 2.14. The morphometric variations of different life stages of the lemon butterfly have been recorded. The lemon was the most preferred host/ food plant as larval development could be completed in minimum period of 16.56 days.