Blue Mormon

Description:

The Blue Mormon (Papilio polymnestor) is a large swallowtail butterfly found in South India and Sri Lanka. Frequents forest paths and streams. The male is fond of sun and avoids the shade. It frequents flowers especially of Mussaenda frondosa, Ixora coccinea, Jasminum spp. and Asystasia gangetica. Periodically raids thicker forest patches, especially where Atalantia spp. are to be found in search of females to mate with. Has a rapid unidirectional flight and frequently changes course, hopping up and down in its flight path. Difficult to catch. Known to bask in the sun. Attracted to damp patch and has greater tolerance to other butterflies and humans while lapping up the mineral rich moisture. Known to visit animal droppings. The Blue Mormon has been recorded as a pollinator of Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum).[3] It is known to mud-puddle.

Habitat:

Spotted in my garden in Tamil Nadu, India, where I have several lime trees. 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, i.e. the Citrus species.

Notes:

Almost daily see one or 2 of these beauties in my garden. They are quite unafraid, and if they are settled somewhere, one can get really close without spooking them.