Common Mormon Butterfly - BirdForum Opus

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Common Name: Common Mormon

Male
Photo by Alok Tewari
Rajaji National Park, Haridwar, India, August-2013

Papilio polytes

Identification

90-100 mm; Large Swallowtail BF; male velvety black with a row of white spots along the central region on upper side; females are larger, have three variations, and may mimic non-edible Common Rose and Crimson Rose BF.

Distribution

India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Bhutan and many other countries in Asia, up-to Japan.

Habitat

A variety of habitat, from urban gardens to lightly wooded country.

Behaviour

Males prefers moist and damp regions, often seen in groups. Fond of flowers too and have fast flight. Females fly slowly like their mimics.

References

1. Kehimkar, Isaac. The Book of Indian Butterflies. 2011 Reprint. Bombay Natural History Society. Oxford Univ. Press. ISBN (13): 978019569620 2
2. Nelson, Rodrigues. Butterflies of Mumbai. MMR Environment Improvement Society. Anitha Art Printers. ISBN-978-81-926884-0-4
3. Wikipedia page Papilio polytes