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Papilio polytes
The Common Mormon (Papilio polytes) is a common species of swallowtail butterfly widely distributed across Asia. This butterfly is known for the mimicry displayed by the numerous forms of its females which mimic inedible Red-bodied Swallowtails, such as the Common Rose and the Crimson Rose. When flying they look quite similar except that the body of the Common Mormon is back while the Crimson Rose is red.
seen in my garden in Tamil Nadu, India.
Spotted on Dec 24, 2013
Submitted on Dec 29, 2013
7 Comments
Sorry DrNamgyalT.Sherpa, I don't know...
No Pam; otherwise how to say that in Tamil?!.
Jemma, but it will be cold in the north. Snowing in the Himalayas probably!
thanks DrNamgyalT.Sherpa. Is that the Nth Indian name?
Jemma, it is just gorgeous. Mid twenties to 27 in the day, low 20's at night. Best time of the year. Unfortunately it only lasts a month or so before heating up again!
lovely!Just curious,how is the weather out there?
Excellent. 'Romba nalla'.