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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 Details
| Photo ID | #11545362 |
|---|---|
| Date Taken | |
| Location | N/A |
| Photographer | Soumyabrata Roy/NurPhoto |
| Category | Human Interest |
| Copyright | © 2026 NurPhoto - Soumyabrata Roy/NurPhoto |
Related Keywords
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.
2026 NurPhoto. All rights reserved.
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