Have 3 young citris trees - been invaded and eaten by the ??

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rosieflower Maurepas, LA(Zone 8b) Aug 13, 2014

Can you identify this slug, worm, caterpillar or whatever it is and how do I kill it? And how to protect these trees long term against it?
Please see the three pics

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OCCAROL Santa Ana, CA(Zone 10b) Aug 14, 2014

I believe that is caterpillar of a swallowtail butterfly. Probably a citrus swallowtail. Unless they are completely defoliating your trees, I would leave them alone. If a few chewed leaves is the worst damage you have , just wait and see. Several types of scale, mealy bugs,and citrus leaf miner will really get your attention. LOL!

Post #9918083
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Diana_K Contra Costa County, CA(Zone 9b) Aug 14, 2014

Looks like 50% or more of the new growth is badly chewed. Not just a nip or two.
As much as I like butterflies, this one has to go.
Dipel is one brand name, Thuricide is another.
The active ingredient is specific to caterpillars. Bacillus thuringiensis.

Post #9918199
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rosieflower Maurepas, LA(Zone 8b) Aug 16, 2014

Thanks for the input to my question. Although different I understand both sides. I do believe I will elect to rid the trees of the problem. When they get bigger and the damage not so proportionately significant, I may wait to see the butterflies.
Have a Great Day!

Post #9919650
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themoonhowl Prairieville, LA(Zone 9a) Aug 22, 2014

Here is some general info on citrus cultivation, pests, diseases etc. from the Ag Center at LSU.

http://www.lsuagcenter.com/en/crops_livestock/crops/citrus/Insects+that+attack+citrus+in+Louisiana.htm


http://www.lsuagcenter.com/en/crops_livestock/crops/citrus/

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MaginFl West Palm Beach, FL May 21, 2020

A little later but that is definitely a Giant swallow tail buttery in the making. I have a wild lime bush to provide a host plant & food. Sometimes I’d “raise” them in a netted plastic container, large on with sides remove & screening attached. Providing fresh cut wild lime every 2 day. They will spray you with an awful stink if you get too close or irate them. It’s great watch the stages, chrysalis. When they emerge, I let them go. They’re good eater, not monarch good though! Monarch can do some damage on milkweed! Quite a few times I’ve had to hunt down milkweed or they’d starve!

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