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Papilio polymnestor
The Blue Mormon is a large swallowtail butterfly - that lays its eggs on Citrus plants. The upper wings are a rich velvety black - streaked with blue and a bit of yellow. Fast flyers, that seldom settle down- Has a rapid unidirectional flight and frequently changes course, hopping up and down in its flight path *this here is a new born fellow- that is flexing its Proboscis. The proboscis is actually 2 individual hollow tubes that the butterfly uses to feed on nectar and other food sources.
The butterfly is most common in heavy rainfall areas, such as evergreen forests. Also common in deciduous forests and wooded urban areas, primarily due to the cultivation of its host plants (Citrus species)
The Blue Mormon has been recorded as a pollinator of Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum).
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