Papilio demodocus (citrus swallowtail)

To prevent the introduction of pests and diseases into the USA, federal regulations require that most imported plants and plant products be inspected at specific ports of entry. Additionally, APHIS Plant Protection and Quarantine has established several certification programs designed to produce plant material that meet the phytosanitary requirements at offshore facilities before they are exported to the USA (APHIS, 2022).

Hand collection of caterpillars is usually sufficient for control of P. demodocus. Chemical control is generally unnecessary and should only be resorted to in nurseries or on newly planted young trees when natural enemies are unable to contain the infestation (Hodgson, 1970; Annecke and Moran, 1982). Some insecticides recommended against this species include malathion, fenthion, fenitrothion, chlorpyrifos and prothiofos (Hodgson, 1970; Brink and Steyn, 1993; Hill, 2008). Bacterial insecticides based on Bacillus thuringiensis and plant-based preparations containing azadirachtin are also effective and are safer alternatives to traditional pesticides (Bandeira, 2000; Mardi et al., 2009).