Great Mormon Swallowtail
Common NameGreat Mormon Swallowtail
Scientific NamePapilio memnon
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)135
Primary Colorsblack, white, blue, red
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, open woodlands, gardens, plantations
Geographic RangeSoutheast Asia (India, Sri Lanka, China, Japan, Taiwan, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia)
Host Plantscitrus, zanthoxylum, euodia, toddalia
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are initially bird-dropping mimics, later becoming green with false eyespots. Pupation occurs in a chrysalis attached to a stem or leaf.
Identification TipsKey identification features include its large size, the striking sexual dimorphism (males dark iridescent, females highly variable and often mimetic), and the presence of red markings on the hindwings of many female forms. Most forms lack tails on the hindwings.
Description
A large, sexually dimorphic swallowtail butterfly. Males are typically black with iridescent blue hindwings, while females exhibit remarkable polymorphism, often mimicking other swallowtails, with common forms featuring black and white forewings and red markings on the hindwings.
