Fauna
Insect

Blue Mormon

Papilio polymnestor

The Blue Mormon is a large dark swallowtail with broad powder-blue patches across the hindwings. Its powerful, restless flight often slows at blossoms or damp mineral-rich ground.

SwallowtailBlue HindwingsStrong Flier
Blue Mormon reference
Asif N Khan / CC BY 4.0 · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAdults drink nectar; caterpillars feed mainly on citrus relatives
Predators
  • Birds
  • Spiders
  • Praying mantises
ThreatsPesticide use, host-plant loss, and habitat clearing
HabitatsMoist forest, forest edges, gardens, orchards, and wooded hills
Life spanSeveral weeks as an adult; a few months for the full life cycle
Classification
  1. FamilyPapilionidae
  2. SpeciesPapilio polymnestor
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Watch without netting or touching its easily damaged wings.
Responsible observation
  • Puddles: Look for adults taking minerals from damp ground.
  • Wings: Wait for a pause to see the broad blue hindwing panels.
Related species

Related species have not been added yet.

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