Common Mormon Caterpillar
Papilio polytes (caterpillar)
The Common Mormon caterpillar lives on leaves of citrus-family plants in gardens, orchards, scrub, and forest edges across South and Southeast Asia. It feeds by chewing foliage, staying mostly on its host plant while growing through several molts. Young larvae resemble bird droppings, while older larvae turn greener and blend with leaves. When disturbed, it can thrust out an orange osmeterium that gives off a strong smell to deter predators.
- Type
- Stealth
- Conservation status
- NE
Growth chain
- Common Mormon Caterpillar
- Common Mormon Chrysalis
- Common Mormon