First Report on Blue Mold Parasitism on Butterfly (Papilio polytes) Egg

The fungal (Penicillium) infection, on the eggs of butterfly Papilio polytes (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae), was reported for the first time at the urban settings, Kolkata, India. In course of rearing P. polytes, the eggs were observed to be vulnerable to the fungal attack. The eggs that oviposited on the leaves of Citrus limon were found to be infested with the fungi, identified as Penicillium sp., through further microbial culture. In all instances, the growth of Penicillium on the eggs restrained further development with the absence of larval emergence. The infestation by Penicillium on butterfly eggs caused disruption of development and eventual shrinking.