Common Butterflies of Sri Lanka

Common Mormon Papilio polytes
Blue Mormon Papilio polymnestor
M LC L
LC
Papilionidae
Male
Female -
Form Stichius
Male: A black butterfly with a series of white outer marginal spots on the forewing
and a series of much larger spots across the hind wing. Both series align into one series
when the butterfly is at rest. Female: Occurs in three forms. Form Cyrus: resembles
the male with additional red markings on the hind wing. Form Stichius: mimics the
Common Rose but its abdomen is completely black. Form Romulus: mimics the
Crimson Rose but its abdomen is completely black and the patches on the hind wing
are not bright crimson.
The Common Mormon flies at medium height, often visiting flowers of scrubs and
large herbs. Males engage in mud puddling. This is a migrant species.
This butterfly has adapted to many types of habitats, ranging from forests to sparse
vegetation. It is common all over the country but quite low in number at the highest
elevations. Form Stichius is more abundant in the wet zone, while form Romulus is
more abundant in the dry zone. Form Cyrus is fewer in number than the others.
LFPs: Various Rutaceae plants. i.e. Pleiospermium alatum (;=ka m;a l=re÷), Murraya
koenigii (lrmsxpd), Glycosmis pentaphylla (fodvïmdk)
The sexes are similar but the female is duller in colouration. Its hind wing is distinctly
large and rounded. The upper surface of its forewing has a band of blue scales,
while the hind wing is almost blue except for the basal parts and distal rows of black
patches. The veins of the hind wing are clearly marked in black. The pattern of its
underside is replaced by grey scales in a reduced area. The basal parts of both wings
have red patches between the veins.
The Blue Mormon moves fast due to its powerful wing beat, though it does not
beat them rapidly. It very much likes to feed on the flowers of Clerodendrum (mskak)
species. Males engage in mud puddling, but rarely settle in one place for more than
few seconds. It beats its wings while puddling, and goes here and there in the wet
patch. It has been seen roosting on opened up foliage, with its wings spread out. This
is a migrant species.
This butterfly prefers forest habitats including lush home gardens. It is spread out
commonly throughout the country, but is not found numerously.
LFPs: Various Rutaceae plants including Citrus grandis (cïfnda,), Atalantia ceylanica
(hls kdrx), Citrus reticulata (ySka kdrx)
Male
Papilionidae
40 Common Butterflies of Sri Lanka
Common Butterflies of Sri Lanka 41