insect · GBIF taxon 1938088
Common Mormon
Papilio polytesAlso known as Common Mormon Swallowtail
Common Mormons are medium-sized swallowtail butterflies celebrated for the remarkable evolutionary mimicry displayed by females, who take on three distinct wing patterns to imitate toxic species. While males are consistently black with a band of white spots, females can look like the toxic Common Rose or Crimson Rose to fool hungry birds. These active fliers are a frequent sight in Asian gardens, fluttering restlessly even while sipping nectar from flowers.
PolymorphicMimicryDiurnal
- diet
- Flower nectar for adults; citrus and curry leaves for caterpillars
- family
- Papilionidae
- threats
- Pesticide use in citrus orchards and urban development
- life Span
- 3 to 4 weeks as an adult
NE
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- Host Plants: Plant citrus or curry leaf trees to attract egg-laying females to your garden.
- Puddle Clubbing: Look for males gathering on damp soil or sand to drink mineral-rich water.
- Observation: Approach slowly when they are feeding on nectar flowers, as they are easily startled.