Papilio polytes, known as the common Mormon butterfly, is a widespread and adaptable swallowtail species found across South and Southeast Asia. This butterfly is notable for its remarkable mimicry and polymorphism, where females can exhibit different appearances that mimic unpalatable butterfly species as a defense mechanism. This mimicry is particularly effective against predators like birds, helping females blend in with toxic butterflies such as Atrophaneura aristolochiae (common rose butterfly) to avoid being eaten.
Males, however, have a uniform appearance with dark black wings and white spots. Females can appear in multiple forms, some resembling the male and others displaying red and white markings similar to toxic species. This butterfly’s ability to adapt visually is linked to a genetic mechanism that controls wing patterning, a fascinating example of natural selection.
The caterpillars initially resemble bird droppings as camouflage, later transforming into a green color with eye-like spots to resemble miniature snakes. Papilio polytes feeds primarily on nectar from flowering plants and plays a role in pollination, whilst caterpillars feed on an array of plants in the Citrus family.
Difficulty - Easy (1/10)
Host plants - Citrus, Skimmia, Choisya, Zanthoxylum, Ruta, etc.
Temperature - Room temperature or warmer.
Lifecycle - continually brooded.
