Brown and Yellow Citrus Caterpillars

Orangedog Caterpillar

• The larvae, or caterpillars, of the giant swallowtail butterfly (Papilio cresphontes) are a shiny, yellow-brown color that resembles that of a bird dropping. The rear section of the caterpillar is white or cream-colored. The larvae of this butterfly are also known as orangedog caterpillars due to the two orange-colored projections that jut out from the head whenever it is disturbed or feels threatened. They grow to slightly over 1 inch in length.

Damage

• These brown and yellow citrus caterpillars feed chiefly on the sweet orange tree, causing some foliar damage to younger specimens but rarely resulting in major injury to more mature citrus trees. Leaves are likely to drop as a result of the feeding, but usually not in significant numbers. The caterpillars feed mostly at night and will transform into the adult butterfly by pupating either on the twig of the citrus tree or on an adjacent building or fence.

Distribution

• Female giant swallowtail butterflies deposit their eggs on the upper surface of citrus leaves. The eggs are a creamy brown color and covered by an orange secretion that gives the impression of an orange peel. Two or perhaps three generations of caterpillars hatch annually. These are the most common type of caterpillars to make their home in the typical citrus garden and are discovered across a wide swath of North America, from Canada to New England to the Rocky Mountains.

Management

• Due to the fact that these caterpillars cause minimal damage to a tree and that they produce a beautiful, black and yellow butterfly, chemical or other control of these insects is not warranted. In cases of extreme infestation or major damage, the brown and yellow citrus caterpillar may be simply removed from the tree by hand. Eggs can also be crushed before they hatch the giant swallowtail larvae. In most cases, parasites and other natural predators keep the caterpillars in check.