The beautiful Common Mormon, Papilio polytes, is a common swallowtail butterfly in Singapore. It can be found in both wooded areas and urban gardens. A relatively large butterfly, the Common Mormon is often seen flying rapidly and erratically. However, the female form which mimics the Common Rose (Pachliopta aristolochiae) has a much slower, gliding flight in imitation of that of its model. Males and females of the non-mimetic forms are black with a creamy white band across the middle of the hindwing extending and tapering along the margin of the forewing. Females which mimic the Common Rose have a similar patterning of red and white except that their bodies are black instead of red. The caterpillars of the Common Mormon feed on Citrus as well as the Indian Curry Leaf Plant and adults are fond of Ixora blooms.
The egg of the Common Mormon is round, smooth and coloured a creamy yellow.
1st instar caterpillar, top right of picture. A later instar Lime Butterfly caterpillar is at the bottom left.
Second or third instar caterpillar on the left, older Lime caterpillar on the right. Young caterpillars of both species mimic bird droppings to escape predation.
Second last instar caterpillar of the Common Mormon.
Freshly molted final instar caterpillar. The caterpillar has lost its bird dropping camouflage in favour of a more snake-like guise.
Fully grown caterpillar. The caterpillars of both the Common Mormon and Lime butterfly look remarkably similar but there are subtle differences in their markings and colour upon closer inspection.
Chrysalis of the Common Mormon. This colour form of the pupa helps it blend in with drier surroundings.
Chrysalis just before the emergence of the butterfly. The butterfly's wings and body are visible through the pupal shell.
Freshly emerged adult. Female form which mimics the Common Rose.
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