Common Mormon
Image: Suresh Khole (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common NameCommon Mormon
Scientific NamePapilio polytes
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)95
Primary Colorsblack, white, red
HabitatGardens, open forests, urban areas, plantations
Geographic RangeSouth Asia, Southeast Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, southern China, Taiwan, Japan
Host PlantsCitrus spp., Murraya koenigii, Aegle marmelos
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are green with white markings, resembling bird droppings when young. They pupate into a green or brown chrysalis, from which the adult butterfly emerges.
Identification TipsLook for the black wings with a prominent white band on the hindwings (especially in females) and a row of red/orange spots. The hindwings are often scalloped. Distinguish from other black swallowtails by the specific pattern of white and red markings.
Description
A medium to large black swallowtail butterfly, typically featuring a broad white band across the hindwings and a series of red or orange-red spots. Females are polymorphic, often mimicking unpalatable species.
