The Large Lemon Butterfly (Heraclides thoas, formerly Papilio thoas) is one of the largest swallowtail butterflies in Argentina, with a wingspan of 10–13 cm. It displays a predominantly yellow and black coloration and a strong, striking flight. It is commonly known as the “lemon butterfly” or “orange tree butterfly.”
Geographic distribution: It is widely distributed in Argentina, from the northern regions to the central area, including provinces such as Mendoza, Corrientes, and Córdoba.
Habitat: It inhabits gardens, orchards, urban green areas, and rural zones where host plants are present, especially citrus trees.
Diet: Caterpillars feed on citrus leaves such as lemon, orange, and grapefruit. Adults feed on nectar from various flowers and play an important role as pollinators.
Behavior: The female lays eggs on the upper surface of leaves, attaching them with a sticky substance. The eggs are nearly spherical, white, and laid individually. Larvae can reach up to 6 cm in length at full development and display green, white, yellow, and black coloration. The caterpillar uses camouflage resembling bird droppings and may emit a foul odor when threatened.
Reproduction: It has 2–3 generations per year between November and March. It overwinters in the pupal stage.
Conservation status: It is a common species frequently observed in gardens. It is not considered threatened and usually causes minor damage to citrus crops.
Author of this compilation: Manuel Godoy – 02/21/2026