Lime Butterfly Caterpillar (4th instar)

Description:

The caterpillars of Papilio demoleus libanius Fruhstorfer, 1908, are varied in their coloring in early instars but often become green in later instars. Early instars have short spines along the body, and longer ones on the thorax and ninth abdominal segment. In later instars these spines degenerate to colored knobs. The 5th and final instars often have a pale line each side just above the legs. My spotting is that of a 4th instar. I would love to see the beautiful 5th instar, but the caterpillar was gone when I checked on it the following day.

Habitat:

Backyard, spotted on a citrus plant, family Rutaceae.

Notes:

Reference: http://lepidoptera.butterflyhouse.com.au... http://butterflycircle.blogspot.com/2008...