23 January 2014

Butterflies Galore! : Lime Butterfly

Butterflies Galore!
The Lime Butterfly (Papilio demoleus malayanus)



The Lime Butterfly is a common urban species that is widely distributed across Singapore. It is mainly found in urban parks and gardens, although there are regular sightings of the species in the forested nature reserves. During the Lunar New Year period, where there is an abundance of Citrus plants, the caterpillars are more often seen on abandoned plants.

It is a fast-flyer and skittish, although when it stops to rest, either with wings opened to sunbathe, or just perched, like in this photo taken by young ButterflyCircle member Jonathan Soong, it will be easier to approach to take a shot of it. Males are also known to puddle at sandy streambanks and footpaths which have been contaminated with animal excretions.