Papilio rumanzovia, commonly known as the Scarlet Mormon or Red Mormon, is a striking butterfly belonging to the family Papilionidae. Native to the Philippines, this butterfly is celebrated for its vivid coloration and graceful flight. It is a frequent visitor to tropical gardens, forests, and other lush habitats.
The Scarlet Mormon exhibits sexual dimorphism, with males and females having distinct appearances. Males are black with a velvety sheen and lack red markings on the upperside, appearing relatively simple but elegant. Females, on the other hand, are more colorful, with black wings highlighted by vivid red patches largely on the hindwings. They tend to have silver-blue or white stripes and markings on the forewings. The red markings often resemble streaks or spots and create a dramatic contrast against the dark background. Neither sex has tails on their hindwings, a characteristic feature of many swallowtail butterflies that is absent in rumanzovia.
Papilio rumanzovia is native to the Philippines and thrives in tropical and subtropical regions. Its preferred habitats include forested areas, gardens, and plantations where its host plants are abundant. This species can often be seen in lowland areas but may also occur in higher altitudes where suitable conditions exist.
The Scarlet Mormon is active during the day and is a strong, agile flier. Adults are nectar feeders, frequently visiting flowering plants such as lantana, hibiscus, and jasmine. Their striking appearance makes them highly noticeable in their habitats, and a long proboscis allows them to feed from large flowers that smaller butterflies would struggle with.
The caterpillars of Papilio rumanzovia feed on plants of the citrus family (Rutaceae), including lime, lemon, and orange trees. The larvae are green with white and brown markings that resemble bird droppings—a clever form of camouflage to deter predators. As they mature, the caterpillars become more uniformly green before pupating into a chrysalis. The pupae are well-camouflaged and can either be green or brown, often depending on their surroundings.
Host plants: Citrus; Skimma; Choisya; Zanthoxylum; Phellodendron
Difficulty: Easy (1/10)
Conditions: Room temperature; appreciates warmth and humidity.
Lifecycle: Continually brooded, adults can live for up to a month.
