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Papilio Polytes - Common Mormon Larva - Animal India

Papilio polytes, commonly known as the Common Mormon, is a species of swallowtail butterfly widely distributed across Asia. This butterfly is renowned for the mimicry displayed by its numerous forms. The caterpillars of the Common Mormon can negatively impact crop yields. Interestingly, these caterpillars resemble bird droppings while resting on leaves, which helps them avoid predators. However, they are heavily parasitized by chalcidoid wasps, with over a hundred tiny wasps eventually emerging from each pupa. On September 4, 2024, in Tehatta, West Bengal, India, a tiny Common Mormon caterpillar was observed feeding on plant leaves, nearly camouflaged as it blended with the branches. (Photo by Soumyabrata Roy/NurPhoto)

Photo ID	#11545361
Date Taken	4 September 2024
Location	N/A
Photographer	Soumyabrata Roy/NurPhoto
Category	Human Interest
Copyright	© 2026 NurPhoto - Soumyabrata Roy/NurPhoto

Papilio polytes Common Mormon swallowtail butterfly Asia mimicry caterpillars crop yields bird droppings predators chalcidoid wasps parasites pupa Tehatta West Bengal India camouflage plant leaves branches Soumyabrata Roy NurPhoto September 4 2024 butterfly species resting negative impact crop damage predator avoidance parasitism wasp emergence tiny caterpillar feeding observation photo.