Lime Swallowtail, Papilio demoleus
This striking white & black swallowtail is native to Asia but has since spread to many parts of the world including Australia, Japan and even the Dominican Republic. As its name suggests, it feeds on a variety of plants in the citrus family but the limeberry plant is considered to be one of its favoured host plants. The young caterpillars resemble bird droppings, but as it grows and gets larger, the caterpillar becomes green. The colour of the chrysalis imitates the colour of its surroundings for better camouflage. Whereas most butterflies are in the pupae stage for 10-14 days on average, the Lime Swallowtail can take up to 30 days in the spring to emerge as an adult.