The polymorphic female of the Great
Mormon comes in at least 7 different forms in Malaysia and Singapore.
Of the 4 forms found in Singapore,
the form-esperi, pictured above is the most often encountered. It
has whitened wing apex and blue dusted hindwings like the male. Interestingly,
the various female forms were believed to have evolved as mimics to distasteful
Papilionid models. However, the form-esperi which mimics the species
Atrophaneura
nox erebus (Malayan Batwing) would not receive any protection from
predators, as the Malayan Batwing does not occur in Singapore. It would
be interesting to see how this female form develops over the years.
The Great Mormon feeds on Citrus
and the Pomelo is the preferred food plant. However, in the absence of
Pomelo, the species has been bred on the Common Lime Plant. |
Back 
