Common Mormon
Image: Sandew LA (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common NameCommon Mormon
Scientific NamePapilio polytes
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)90
Primary Colorsblack, white, red
HabitatOpen woodlands, gardens, orchards, cultivated areas
Geographic RangeSouthern Asia, Southeast Asia, parts of Australia
Host PlantsCitrus spp., Murraya koenigii, Aegle marmelos
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, multiple broods
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs, like the one pictured (small, pale yellow, spherical, less than 1mm), are laid singly on the upper surface of host plant leaves. Larvae are initially bird-dropping mimics, later becoming green with cryptic patterns. Pupae are green or brown, resembling a twig.
Identification TipsMales are identified by their black wings with a distinct white band on the hindwings. Females are more challenging due to their mimicry, but often show a combination of black, white, and red spots, particularly on the hindwings, mimicking species like the Common Rose or Crimson Rose.
Description
The Common Mormon is a medium-sized swallowtail butterfly, with males typically black featuring a broad white band on the hindwings. Females are highly polymorphic, often mimicking other unpalatable swallowtail species, displaying diverse patterns of black, white, and red markings.
