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The very fast flying Lime Butterfly is a common swallowtail species which belong to the Papilionoidea family and is found throughout the lowlands. Globally this swallowtail is the most widespread species found throughout Asia, middle east and Australia.

The conservation status of this species is regarded as “Least Concerned” (National Red List 2012).

This is a species protected under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance as amended by Act No. 22 of 2009.

I have seen this species throughout the lowlands including the Jaffna peninsula, Mannar island, the Delft Island and both Eluwathivu island and Analathivu islands in the north throughout the plain s in the south. It is common even around the city of Colombo. It is not common in the hills but can be seen in the lower hills. The highest altitudes at which I have seen this species include Bandarawela at 1316m and Meemure village in the Knuckles Forest Reserve at 1310meters. Globally this species is considered as a pest by the citrus growers such as lime and lemon. However, the nominate race found in the country Papilio demoleus demoleus lays its eggs mainly on native wild species including Wood Apple “Divul” Limonia acidissima, “Pamburu” Pamburus missionis, Golden Apple “Beli” Aegle marmelos, Ceylon Atalantia “Yakinarang” Atalantia ceylanica, Satin Wood Chloroxylon swietenia. This is the swallowtail with the shortest life span in the world as the winged insect f its life cycle. The adult males live only for four days and the females for 7 days.

This is a very common species in the open areas in and around Wilpattu.