Common Mormon (Papilio polytes)

OTHER NAMES: Common Mormon Butterfly

Latin Etymology: Papilio ("butterfly") polytes (?)

Adult male and female Common Mornon (subspecies P. p. polytes) at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - July 2016

Featured Subspecies: Papilio polytes polytes
Wingspan: 90-100mm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Not Yet Evaluated 

A large black coloured member of the Swallowtail family found throughout Southern Asia, the Common Mormon is a notable mimic of other species - specifically of the inedible species the Common Rose and Crimson Rose to prevent it's own predation.  It is a common species found in urban habitats.

Related Species: 
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Papilionidae
Genus: Papilio
SUBSPECIES: P. p. alcindor, P. p. alphenor, P. p. javanus, P. p. ledebouria, P. p. liujidongi, P. p. mandane, P. p. messius, P. p. nicanor, P. p. nikobarus, P. p. pasikrates, P. p. perversus, P. p. polycritos, P. p. polytes, P. p. romulus, P. p. sotira, P. p. steffi, P. p. stichioides, P. p. theseus, P. p. timorensis, P. p. tucanus, P. p. vigellius

 - Sighting Locations -

MALAYSIA - Malay - ?

Common resident.

 - MALAYSIA/SINGAPORE 2016 TRIP: Seen regularly in Kuala Lumpur, though intermittently. 

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto