Insects Active during the day

Lime Swallowtail

Papilio demoleus

iNaturalist Wikipedia

A vibrant, tailless traveler of the citrus groves, the Lime Swallowtail is one of the most common and energetic butterflies found in backyard gardens across Asia and Australia. Known for its striking yellow-on-black 'chequered' pattern, it is a master of rapid flight and a favorite for garden photographers.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Wingspan of 80–100 mm (3.1–3.9 inches)

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Colors

Deep brownish-black base with irregular pale yellow or cream 'chequered' spots; hindwings feature a prominent red spot with blue edging near the inner margin.

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Key Features

Large swallowtail butterfly lacking the characteristic 'tails'
Irregular pale yellow or cream spots on a black background
Distinctive red and blue eyespot (tornal spot) on the hindwing
Caterpillars resemble bird droppings in early stages and turn green with 'eye' spots later

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern Active during the day

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Peak hours 9 AM - 3 PM

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Season Year-round in tropical regions; peaking in monsoon and post-monsoon months

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Diet Adults feed on nectar from flowers like Lantana, Ixora, and Hibiscus. Larvae (caterpillars) feed on the leaves of citrus plants and other members of the Rutaceae family.

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Habitat Suburban gardens, citrus orchards, open secondary forests, and urban parks.

Behavior

The Lime Swallowtail is an exceptionally energetic and restless flyer. Unlike many other butterflies that glide gracefully, this species moves with a rapid, fluttering flight, often staying low to the ground as it darts between nectar sources. It is highly active during the sunniest parts of the day and is frequently seen in suburban gardens, particularly those containing citrus trees, which serve as the primary host for its larvae.

One of the most striking aspects of this species is its remarkably short adult lifespan. Males typically live for only four days, while females survive for about a week. Because of this brief window, they are intensely focused on reproduction. Males are known for 'mud-puddling,' where they congregate on damp soil or sand to mineralize, while females spend their time searching for the tender young leaves of lemon or lime trees to deposit their eggs. Despite being a common sight, they are wary and will take flight at the slightest disturbance.

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Camera Tips

Capturing the Lime Swallowtail on a backyard camera requires a focus on their favorite host plants. Position your camera near young citrus trees (lemon, lime, or calamondin) where females frequently hover to lay eggs. Because they are low-level flyers, a mounting height of 2 to 4 feet is best. If your camera has a macro mode or a close-focus lens, use it; the intricate yellow 'chequered' patterns are stunning when viewed up close.

These butterflies are extremely fast, so standard motion-triggered trail cameras may struggle to catch them before they exit the frame. For the best results, use a camera with a 'high-speed' or 'burst' photo mode, or set it to record high-frame-rate video (at least 60fps). This allows you to slow down the footage later and see the wings in detail. Bright, direct sunlight is your friend here, as it encourages activity and allows for the fast shutter speeds needed to freeze their movement.

To lure them into a stationary position, try creating a 'puddling' station. Clear a patch of earth, keep it consistently damp, and add a small amount of sea salt or well-rotted fruit nearby. This attracts males looking for salts and minerals. A camera placed at ground level facing a damp patch of soil can capture rare, still moments of these butterflies with their wings spread wide, showcasing the beautiful red and blue eyespots on their hindwings.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Lime Swallowtail.

Common Bluebottle

Distinguished by a solid turquoise-blue band across both wings rather than yellow spots.

Orchard Swallowtail

Much larger and the males are almost entirely black with white patches, whereas the Lime Swallowtail is heavily spotted with yellow.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Lime Swallowtails are most active during the bright, warm hours of the day, typically between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM when the sun is at its peak.

The best way to attract them is to plant citrus trees like lemon, lime, or pomelo, which serve as host plants for their caterpillars, and nectar-rich flowers like Lantana for the adults.

Adults drink nectar from various flowers, while the caterpillars exclusively eat the leaves of citrus plants and other members of the Rutaceae family.

Yes, they are very common in suburban environments because they have adapted to live alongside human citrus cultivation and garden flowers.

The easiest way is to look at the hindwings; unlike most swallowtails, the Lime Swallowtail does not have 'tails' extending from the back of its wings.

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