Hong Kong Butterflies 21

The common Mormon ( Papilio polytes 玉帶鳳蝶 ), is a common species of swallowtail butterfly and is one of the most common butterflies found in Hong Kong parks. It usually flies around nectar food plants such as Lantana. Its black hindwings consist of a white band made up of white spots, making it distinctive among other butterflies.

The male common Mormon is a dark-coloured swallow-tailed butterfly. The upper forewing has a series of white spots decreasing in size towards the apex. The upper hindwing has a complete discal band of elongated white spots.  

This common Mormon was encountered last month in the Hong Kong Park.