Home › Insecta › Papilionidae › Common Mormon Butterfly (Papilio polytes)
SPECIES PROFILE
Common Mormon Butterfly (Papilio polytes)
Papilio
IUCN STATUS
Least Concern
CONSERVATION STATUS
Least Concern
CLASS
Insecta
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Widespread across India
DIET
Nectarivorous
HABITAT
Forests, gardens, urban areas
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Arthropoda
CLASS
Insecta
ORDER
Lepidoptera
FAMILY
Papilionidae
GENUS
Papilio
📋 Description
SIZE
Wingspan 9-10 cm, 1-2 grams
COLORATION
Black with white/yellow spots, mimics red-bodied swallowtails
ADAPTATIONS
Wings for mimicry, long proboscis for nectar
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Forests, gardens, urban areas
DIET
Nectarivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Widespread across India
REPRODUCTION
Lays eggs on citrus plants, larvae 3-4 weeks
DIET DETAILS
Nectar from lantana, hibiscus
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Pesticides, habitat alteration
💡 Interesting Facts
1
Clever Mimicry: Female common mormons mimic toxic butterflies deterring birds in Sanjay Gandhi's forests with 10 cm wingspans. Their 100000 population flutters across India's gardens.
2
Shape-Shifters: Females display three color forms confusing predators in Kerala's sanctuaries with 50 eggs laid per cycle. Their pollination aids 200 plant species in urban parks.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Maharashtra urban forest hosts common mormon butterfly sightings
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary in Kerala forest edges offer common mormon butterfly sightings
Namdapha National Park in Arunachal Pradesh rainforest has common mormon butterfly sightings
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
Look for butterflies feeding on nectar in flowering plants during early morning.
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
June-September. Monsoon season increases butterfly activity in forests and gardens.
