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Do butterflies eat Meyer lemon leaves? (PIC)

 
Citrus Growers Forum Index du Forum -> Container citrus
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ralsteve



Joined: 15 Jun 2010
Posts: 10

Posted: Mon 09 Aug, 2010 10:48 am

I've been having a slight problem with something munching on the leaves of my Meyer. Not widespread, half a dozen leaves or so. I've been treating with insecticidal soap and later on Sevin.
I caught this butterfly in my macro lens perched on an already chewed leaf and he just sat there. I watched him for a long time to see if he would actually eat the leaf. He never did.

Could the butterfly be what's munching on my leaves?

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citrange
Site Admin
Site Admin


Joined: 24 Nov 2005
Posts: 590
Location: UK - 15 miles west of London

Posted: Mon 09 Aug, 2010 11:05 am

No, butterflies don't eat leaves!
But the caterpillar that produced the butterfly could well have done the damage some time ago before pupating.
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ralsteve



Joined: 15 Jun 2010
Posts: 10

Posted: Mon 09 Aug, 2010 11:24 am

Thanks for the reply. It seemed like a logical question. He was perched there and for all intents and purposes looked like he was there for a meal.
Glad to know he's not the culprit.

Those caterpillars I am aware of. They love my cilantro and they're responsible for some damage done to my sage this year. But unlike the cilantro and sage, I've never caught one on the Meyer.
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buddinman
Citrus Guru
Citrus Guru


Joined: 15 Nov 2005
Posts: 343
Location: Lumberton Texas zone 8

Posted: Mon 09 Aug, 2010 11:39 am

The orange dog is the larva of the swallowtail butterfly. He will look like bird dropping and will run 2 red like horns out if disturbed and will give off a foul odor. If you like the butterflies leave him alone.
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Skeeter
Moderator
Moderator


Joined: 23 Jul 2006
Posts: 2218
Location: Pensacola, FL zone 9

Posted: Mon 09 Aug, 2010 5:07 pm

That bird poop camo has lost it's effectiveness! I was letting 3 or 4 go on my mandarin, but they did not make it--I think the birds have figured out the disguise.

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Skeet
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shohinken



Joined: 18 Mar 2010
Posts: 11
Location: Ft Lauderdale Fl

Posted: Sun 22 Aug, 2010 1:41 am

If only a few leaves have cutout spots, it could be leaf cutting bees. They use the patches they cut out to line their nests.

Shohinken
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