Papilio lowii, commonly known as the Great Yellow Mormon, is a large and visually stunning species of swallowtail butterfly belonging to the family Papilionidae. It is native to Southeast Asia, and the species is known for its vibrant yellow and black coloration, marking it out among the many striking butterflies in its region.
The Great Yellow Mormon is a large butterfly, with a wingspan ranging from 10 to 12 cm, making it a relatively large species. The adult female butterflies exhibit multiple striking colour forms and distinctive features, however males are always uniformly black with silver-blue striping. It prefers the lowland and montane forests, often inhabiting areas near forest edges or clearings, where food sources and host plants are abundant.
Papilio lowii is diurnal, meaning it is active during the day. The butterfly is typically seen flying around flowering plants, feeding on nectar. Males are known to be territorial, actively defending feeding and mating areas. They often fly in search of mates and are usually seen near their host plants. With its striking yellow and black coloration and distinctive tail-like extensions, it is a remarkable example of the diverse and colorful species within the Papilionidae family.
The larvae of Papilio lowii feed on various plants from the Rutaceae family, particularly species of Citrus, Murraya, and Zanthoxylum. The caterpillars of this species begin with a colouration that resembles bird droppings, whilst mature larvae are green with various markings that make them resemble small snakes, likely as a mechanism to deter predators.
Host plants: Citrus; Choisya; Skimmia; Phellodendron; Zanthoxylum
Difficulty: Easy (1/10)
Conditions: Room temperature although enjoys warm and bright conditions.
Lifecycle: Continually brooded; adults live for up to a month.
