Common Mormon
FamilyPapilionidae
Scientific NamePapilio polytes
RangeSouth and Southeast Asia
HabitatGardens, forests
About the Common Mormon
A black swallowtail famous in genetics for its female forms. Some females look like the males, while others closely mimic the toxic Common Rose and Crimson Rose butterflies. A single gene region controls which form a female takes. This makes it a classic example of Batesian mimicry. Its caterpillars feed on citrus and are common in gardens across tropical Asia.
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