Great Mormon
Image: Lianguanlun (CC BY 4.0)
Common NameGreat Mormon
Scientific NamePapilio memnon
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)135
Primary Colorsblack, red
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, open woodlands, gardens, cultivated areas
Geographic RangeSouth and Southeast Asia, including southern China, Taiwan, Japan, India, and Indonesia
Host PlantsCitrus, Zanthoxylum, Euodia, Toddalia
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, spring to autumn in subtropical areas
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on Rutaceae host plants. Larvae are cryptic, resembling bird droppings when young, and possess an eversible osmeterium for defense. Pupae are camouflaged as twigs or leaves.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its large size and overall black coloration. Males have characteristic red or pink spots on the hindwing margins, while females are highly polymorphic and can mimic other unpalatable butterflies.
Description
A large, predominantly black swallowtail butterfly. Males typically have solid black forewings and hindwings with a series of red or pink spots along the margin of the hindwings.
