3944. Nature Story. Be Prepared at all time. Butterfly visit to Toa Payoh Vets on Thursday 17 Dec 2020. Papilio demoleus malayanus

Thursday, 17 Dec 2020. NATURE STORIES by Dr Sing Kong Yuen. BE PREPARED. An attractive butterfly visited the lime plant outside Toa Payoh Vets today but, just for today, I left my camera in my car. Hsu  sprinted to get it as time was of the essence.  

I got two good images this time, thanks to Hsu. All three butterflies fluttered and flew away within 2 minutes. Their appearance was to tell me to  always "be prepared" if I wish to be successful in my butterfly photography. 

The butterflies are common in many countries. They are called Papilio demoleus malayanus in Singapore and Malaysia.

Actually, they were depositing eggs on the leaves of the lime plant speedily from leaf to leaf. The lime or Citrus species of trees is its host plant.  

  

MORE INFORMATION AT:
https://2010vets.blogspot.com/2020/12/3944-nature-story-be-prepared-at-all.html

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Is the above a lime butterfly as it is attracted to the lime plant?

Papilio demoleus is a common and widespread swallowtail butterfly. The butterfly is also known as the lime butterfly,^[1][2] lemon butterfly, lime swallowtail, and chequered swallowtail.^[2] These common names refer to their host plants, which are usually citrus species such as the cultivated lime. Unlike most swallowtail butterflies, it does not have a prominent tail. The butterfly is a pest and invasive species, found from Asia to Australia.^[1][2] The butterfly has spread to Hispaniola island (Dominican Republic) in the Western Hemisphere,^[3] and to Mahé, Seychelles.^[4]

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Papilio demoleus malayanus

Details
Family : Papilionidae
Subfamily : Papilioninae
Genus : Papilio
Common Name : Lime Butterfly, 达摩凤蝶
Wingspan : 80-90mm
Hostplant(s) : Citrus sp (Citrus plants)
Status In Singapore : Common


Description
The butterfly is black with large yellow markings on the uppersides. The underside is predominantly yellow with black markings.

Habitat & Habits
The Lime Butterfly is a common butterfly in Singapore, and can be found as often around urban areas as well as parks, gardens and on the fringes of the nature areas. Anywhere there is a Lime Bush (Citrus), it is quite likely that one can find this butterfly near by.

Other Observations
The common Lime or Kalamansi is cultivated by many Singaporeans as a garnish to the local cuisine. The plant can therefore be found in many gardens and apartments. Where pesticides are not used, it is quite likely that the Lime Butterfly will lay her eggs on the Citrus plant.

Early Stages
Eggs are laid singly on the Citrus leaves and the young larvae resemble bird's droppings. At the later instars, the larvae become green. The pupa resembles that of the Common and Great Mormons and is attached upright and supported with a silken girdle.

See:

Lime butterflies
UPDATES ON BLOG:
https://www.deviantart.com/inckurei/art/Lime-Butterfly-290609-un-127660187

Papilio demoleus malayanus

Details
Family : Papilionidae
Subfamily : Papilioninae
Genus : Papilio
Common Name : Lime Butterfly, 达摩凤蝶
Wingspan : 80-90mm
Hostplant(s) : Citrus sp (Citrus plants)
Status In Singapore : Common