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Common Mormon

Papilio polytes

Classification

Class
Insecta

Papilio polytes, the common Mormon, 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. Names The common name is an allusion to the polygamy formerly practiced by members of the Mormon sect according to Harish Gaonkar, of the Natural History Museum in London: ...

Distribution

Dang H, Huynh H, Phan T, Bui KT, Luong TT, Nguyen VH · CC BY
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