author(s)
Saicharan Dharavath, Shreeshail Karabhantanal, Vandana Anand and Akash MP

abstract
The present research was carried out to study the biology of the citrus butterfly Papilio demoleus L. (Papilionidae: Lepidoptera) under laboratory conditions. Observations on lifespan (days), adult longevity on various diets and leaf area consumed by various larval instars per day (sq. cm). Also, descriptions and measurements of various stages of P. demoleus on Citrus limon (L.) were carried out in vitro at room temperature. Results showed that, mean egg-hatching time was about 3.25±0.91 days and 5.5±1.28, 4.5±0.57, 3.75±0.48, 3.75±0.48, 3.25±0.70 days for 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th instars respectively. Pupal stage and average adult longevity recorded 6±0.57 and 3±0.57 days respectively. Adult longevity on distilled water, 10% honey, pure honey and 50% sugar + water solution recorded 2, 3, 5 and 3 days respectively. The mean value for egg size is 1±0 mm and 2.4±0.85, 16.75±1.25, 21.5±1.73, 32.0±0.81, 35.7±1.09 mm for 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th instar respectively. The size of pupa and adult were 26±1.28 and 98.7±2.89 mm respectively. The mean values for leaf area consumed per day were 2±0.34, 8.87±2.37, 15±1.41, 62±4.24, and 108±3 cm² for 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th instar respectively. The results on life span, adult longevity with various food sources and leaf area consumption provide valuable scientific evidence on building citrus butterfly management practices and helps to access damage.