Get information for managing the giant swallowtail butterfly in your citrus grove from the UF/IFAS Tip of the Week.
The giant swallowtail butterfly (Papilio cresphontes) is the largest butterfly in North America, but in citrus groves it’s a pest. According to a UF/IFAS Tip of the Week, the “larvae of the giant swallowtail, commonly referred to as “orange dogs,” can cause significant damage to citrus trees.” The larvae feed on citrus leaves, doing damage that many young trees can’t recover from. The article shares that “Mature trees, while more capable of withstanding defoliation, can still suffer reduced vigor and yield if the infestation is severe,” and that “heavy infestations can weaken the overall health of the tree, making it more susceptible to diseases and other pests.” The article shared options for managing the giant swallowtail butterfly in citrus groves; see the information below.
Options for Managing Giant Swallowtail Butterfly in Citrus Groves
The article shared these management options:
“Monitoring: Regularly inspect citrus trees, especially during the growing season, for signs of larvae or damage. Early detection is key to preventing significant defoliation.
Cultural Controls: Encourage natural predators like birds and parasitic wasps that feed on the larvae. Planting diverse crops around citrus groves can also help attract beneficial insects.
Mechanical Removal: On smaller trees or in home gardens, larvae can be manually removed and destroyed. This method is labor-intensive but effective for managing small infestations.
Chemical Controls: In cases of severe infestation, insecticides may be necessary. Bacillus thuringiensis is a biological pesticide that specifically targets caterpillars and is safe for use in organic farming. Other insecticides, such as spinosad or pyrethroids, can also be used but should be applied carefully to minimize impact on beneficial insects.
Treatment Timing: Target the larvae when they are young and more vulnerable. This timing reduces the amount of foliage lost and minimizes the need for multiple treatments.”
Griffin Fertilizer is committed to helping both growers and ranchers make sound agronomic and economic decisions in order to maximize the health of their grove and pasture. As a full-service custom dry & liquid fertilizer blender and crop protection product distributor, we will continue our mission to further advance Florida agriculture. For questions -or concerns about your farm or pasture, contact us and one of our team will be in touch.