Its name is derived from citrullus, the Latin word for watermelon, from which it was first isolated in 1914 by Koga & Odake.

Their staple foods are the Aristida, Artemisia, Citrullus and Acacia grasses; perennials which turn green and sprout at the slightest bit of humidity or rain.

The Citrullus Valgarus now referred to as Citrullus lanatus variety grown in Sugartown is the Crimson sweet.

Larvae have been recorded on Amaranthus, Barringtonia, Discorea, Amorphophallus, Impatiens, Citrullus, Arathis, Boerhavia, Knoxia, Morinda, Oldenlandia, Pongamia, Spermacoce, Glossostigma and Camellia.