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VOL. 9, ISSUE 11 (2024)
Effect of change of feeding plant on the size of caterpillars of Lime swallowtail butterfly, Papilio demoleus L.
Authors
Aparna Ghadi, Dheeraj Chavhan, Manisha Kulkarni
Abstract
Human agricultural development is threatening many butterfly species by
destroying their host plants. Each butterfly species is reliant on specific
plant or plant families. A best way to conserve the butterfly species is to
cultivate their suitable host plants and avoid the use of herbicides
landscaping. The lime swallowtail butterfly (Papilio demoleus) is one of
the citrus plant invaders, found throughout tropical and subtropical
regions of Southern Asia. The effect of change of feeding plants on the
development of caterpillars of P. demoleus L. was determined, using
leaves of Cullen corilifolium and Citrus species. Two different
generations of P. demoleus for two successive years were studied. It was
found that overall duration of development of caterpillars were longest (SD±
0.74). The results revealed that development of the caterpillars of P.
demoleus was comparatively slow after fed with Citrus species leaves
while the fast development was found when experimental caterpillars fed with
leaves of C. corilifolium. We analysed that biochemical constituents of
the feeding plant had a significant effect on development of the caterpillars
of P. demoleus. The reciprocal evolutionary dynamics between butterflies
and their host plants have been investigated through a comprehensive analysis
of plant utilization patterns and the various factors influencing food plant
selection. P. demoleus feeds primarily on the foliage of citrus
trees, and its larval stages can severely damage the citrus trees due to
their extensive leaf consumption. This is particularly concerning for citrus
nursery stock, as young citrus trees are highly susceptible to larval
feeding. Severe infestations can result in substantial defoliation, leading to
growth retardation and reduced fruit yield. This study may contribute to the
agricultural advancement of citrus fruits by incorporating the
alternative species C. corilifolium in proximity to citrus
cultivation.
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Pages:54-58
How to cite this article:
Aparna Ghadi, Dheeraj Chavhan, Manisha Kulkarni "Effect of change of feeding plant on the size of caterpillars of Lime swallowtail butterfly, <i>Papilio demoleus </i>L<i>.</i>". International Journal of Entomology Research, Vol 9, Issue 11, 2024, Pages 54-58
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