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Great mormon

Great mormon

Papilio memnon

A species of Swallowtails, Also known as Great mormon swallowtail

The great mormon (Papilio memnon) is most commonly a combination of black and a wide variety of other potential colors. Females can exist in over 20 different varieties, many of them where it practices switching between forms and mimicking other butterflies. It is a unique butterfly with some strong survivalist tendencies.

General Info About Great mormon
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Attributes of Great mormon
Colors
Black
Red
White
Cyan
Habitat
low elevation
Adult Food Sources
Lantana camara (spanish flag flowers), jasminum sambac (arabian jasmine flowers), hibiscus rosa-sinensis (chinese hibiscus flowers), ixora coccinea (jungle geranium flowers), buddleja davidii (butterfly bush flowers)
Larva Food Source
Citrus limon (lemon leaves), citrus maxima (pomelo leaves), citrus reticulata (mandarin orange leaves), murraya paniculata (orange jasmine leaves), aegle marmelos (bael leaves)
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Great mormon is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
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Species Status of Great mormon
It is distributed in South, East and Southeast Asia.
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Distribution Area of Great mormon
South and Southeast Asia
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Appearance of Great mormon
The butterfly is large with a 12 - 15 cm span. The larva resembles that of the common Mormon (P. polytes), being green with whitish markings.
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How to Identify Great mormon?

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Predators of Great mormon Larvae
Ants, wasps, birds, spiders
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Predators of Adult Great mormon
Birds, spiders, praying mantises, small mammals
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Interesting Facts About Great mormon
Great mormon can have a 'false head' created by their wing markings and tails, fooling predators into attacking the wrong end.
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Scientific Classification of Great mormon
Tips for Finding Great mormon
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Youth Habitat of Great mormon
Forests and Woodlands, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Urban and Suburban Areas
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Adult Habitat of Great mormon
Forests and Woodlands, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Urban and Suburban Areas, Savannas
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How Can You Attract Great mormon
To attract great mormon, one could use bait stations with fermenting fruit, molasses, or a mixture of sugar and water. These are typical food sources that attract butterflies.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Great mormon
Overcast skies with little to no wind and a mild temperature are considered favorable conditions for finding great mormon. However, they may also be found basking in sunlight during cool mornings.
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How and Where Can You Find Great mormon at Different Life Stages
Egg Great mormon eggs are small and are typically laid on the host plants. To find them, examine the leaves of host plants for clusters of tiny, round eggs.
Larva Great mormon caterpillars are often found on or near their host plants. Look for missing leaf parts or frass (caterpillar droppings) as indicators of their presence.
Pupal Great mormon chrysalises can be located by searching the areas around host plants. They are often attached to twigs or in the undergrowth, camouflaged to blend in with their surroundings.
Adult Great mormon adults can be spotted while they are feeding on nectar from flowers, sunning themselves on the ground or vegetation, or during their mating flights. Searching in meadows, gardens, and other areas with plenty of flowers is effective.
Are Great mormon harmful?
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Usually, the great mormon won't threaten or hurt humans. But remember that even a worm will turn. Remember to still be cautious.

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Are Great mormon harmful to humans?

They are not a poisonous butterfly, but they have a special gland that secretes bad smells and chemicals.
Beneficial Effects of Great mormon
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Shape
Great mormon is attracted to flowers primarily by their color and shape. While seeking nectar, it accidentally collects and transfers pollen, benefiting the plant's reproduction without actively gathering pollen.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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