Early observations confirm overwintering success of Papilio demoleus Linnaeus, 1758 (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae) in 2021/2022, enhancing potential for establishment in Cyprus

Abstract

Following the arrival in Cyprus of Papilio demoleus Linnaeus, 1758 in the autumn of 2021, an unusually severe winter in the eastern Mediterranean in 2021/2022 raised concern about the ability of the taxon to overwinter successfully, as had been achieved in Mediterranean Turkey and Syria in recent years. In Cyprus, early observations in April 2022, followed by the appearance of a new generation in June, allayed such concerns, and are reported upon here.