Photographic Records and Potential Impact of the Lime Swallowtail, Papilio demoleus (Lepidoptera, Papilionidae), in St. Kitts and Nevis

Photographic evidence confirms the presence of the invasive lime swallowtail butterfly, Papilio demoleus, on St. Kitts and Nevis, marking its first documented occurrence in the northern Lesser Antilles. Surveys from 2023 to 2026 identified two confirmed sightings—one at Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park (St. Kitts) and another in Charlestown (Nevis)—along with historical reports from Frigate Bay, St. Kitts, since 2020. While the butterfly's impact on local citrus cultivation remains minimal due to limited host plants, its establishment suggests potential risks to small-scale agriculture. The study highlights the need for continued monitoring to track its expansion and assess ecological consequences.

Liu, C.-W., Ward, T. J., & Lo, Y.-H. (2026). Photographic Records and Potential Impact of the Lime Swallowtail, Papilio demoleus (Lepidoptera, Papilionidae), in St. Kitts and Nevis. Caribbean Journal of Science, 56(1), 242–246. https://doi.org/10.18475/cjos.v56i1.a21