Description:
|
The eggs are laid singly on the citrus leaves. They are about one millimeter
in dimameter and white.
The young caterpillar has spikes and a pattern of brown, black and
white coulouring that makes it look like a birds dropping. it grows to
1-1.5 cm before changing into the green type of caterpillar.
The older caterpillar grows to a size of 3-4 cm and changes colour
to green with white or pinkish markings. There are also eye markings on
the front part. When the caterpillar is disturbed or scared, it sends out
two orange "antennae" that are intended to scare away enemies. These "antennae"
also emits a bad smell. They are withdrawn again once the scare is over.
When the caterpillar comes to maturity, it fastens itself to a citrus
branch and slowly change into a pupae. The butterfly may emerge after a
week or so, depending on the temperature and humidity.
The butterfly is a large swallowtail with black and yellow markings
and red/blue eye spots on the hindwings. It flies all year round in gardens
and fields and frequents flowers or lays eggs on citrus trees. During flight
it looks more yellow than black.
|
