Citrus swallowtail

Papilio demodocus, also known as the citrus swallowtail, is a large swallowtail butterfly common to sub-Saharan Africa. It is a pest species, the caterpillar feeding on citrus trees.

Citrus swallowtails pass through approximately three generations per year. Eggs are laid singly on citrus tree leaves.

Adult butterflies have black and yellow markings with red and blue eyespots. Female butterflies tend to be larger than males.

Citrus swallowtail eggs and pupae are known to be parasitised by certain species of parasitic wasp, notably Ooencyrtus (eggs) and Pteromalus puparum (pupae).