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UC Pest Management Guidelines

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Citrus

California Orangedog

Scientific Name: Papilio zelicaon

(Reviewed 7/03, updated 7/05)

In this Guideline:

Description of the pest
Damage
Management

DESCRIPTION OF THE PEST
The California orangedog, or black anise swallowtail, is a native butterfly that feeds on both perennial anise (sweet fennel) and citrus. During its development, the caterpillar changes from a mottled brown to a whitish green and bright green with yellow and black spots on each segment. Mature larvae are about 1.5 inch (3.7 cm) long. When disturbed, all larval stages stick out orange-colored scent glands and give off a strong odor.

DAMAGE
Orangedog caterpillars feed on tender citrus leaves, occasionally defoliating young trees but rarely causing economic damage in mature orchards.

MANAGEMENT
Management of California orangedog may occasionally be necessary in young orchards. Use selective (i.e., those that are toxic only to a narrow group of insects) insecticides to conserve populations of natural enemies.

Biological Control
Parasites are often highly effective in controlling California orangedog, especially the wasp Hyposoter sp.

Cultural Control
California orangedog prefers sweet fennel, which may be interplanted as a trap crop in strips with citrus and mowed regularly after the egg-laying peak in each generation.

Organically Acceptable Methods
Biological and cultural controls and sprays of Bacillus thuringiensis are organically acceptable methods.

Monitoring and Treatment Decisions
If treatment is needed for infestations of California orangedog on immature trees, Bacillus thuringiensis generally provides sufficient control.

Common name		Amount to Use	Minimum Days before Harvest+
(trade name)		(type of coverage)**

A.	BACILLUS THURINGIENSIS ssp. KURSTAKI#
	(various)	Label rates	4 hours
	RANGE OF ACTIVITY: Narrow (caterpillars)
	PERSISTENCE: Short
	COMMENTS: Can be used during bloom. Timing is important because of short residual period. Use lower rates for younger worms or smaller trees. Apply only during warm dry weather to control young, actively feeding worms. Use reduced wind velocity and drive 3 mph.

B.	CRYOLITE
	(Prokil Cryolite) 96	8–20 lb/acre (OC)	15
	(Kryocide) 96 WP	8–20 lb/acre (OC)
	RANGE OF ACTIVITY: Narrow (foliage feeders such as worms, katydids, and Fuller rose beetle)
	PERSISTENCE: Long, unless washed off by rain.
	COMMENTS: Check label for variety. Use higher rate for larger trees. Slow-acting stomach poison that may take several days of warm weather to kill worms. Use reduced wind velocity and a speed of 3 mph. Do not exceed 90 lb/acre/season.

**	OC - Outside coverage uses 50–500 gal water/acre.
	A - Aircraft applications 5-20 gal water/acre.
#	Acceptable for use on organically grown produce.
+	Minimum days before harvest takes into account the California restricted entry interval and the federal preharvest interval and lists the longer interval. (See Table 1 Mandatory Intervals Between Application, Reentry and Harvest, and Hazards to Bees.)

PUBLICATION

UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines: Citrus
UC ANR Publication 3441
Insects, Mites, and Snails
E. E. Grafton-Cardwell, Kearney Agricultural Center, Parlier
J. G. Morse, Entomology, UC Riverside
N. V. O’Connell, UC Cooperative Extension, Tulare Co.
P. A. Phillips, UC IPM Program, UC Cooperative Extension, Ventura Co.
C. E. Kallsen, UC Cooperative Extension, Kern Co.
D. R. Haviland, UC Cooperative Extension, Kern Co.
Acknowledgments for contributions to the insect, mite, and snail section:
J. Barcinas, E. S. I., Corona, CA
R. Dunn, Badger Farming Co., Exeter, CA
J. Gorden, Pest Management Associates, Exeter, CA
H. Griffiths, E. S. I., Corona, CA
D. Machlitt, Consulting Entomology Services, Moorpark, CA
C. Musgrove, retired entomologist, Riverside, CA
K. Olsen, S & J Ranch, Pinedale, CA
T. Roberts, E. S. I., Corona, CA
J. Stewart, Pest Management Associates, Exeter, CA
P. Washburn, Washburn & Sons Citrus Pest Control, Riverside, CA

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