4804. PHOTOGRAPHY WITH LENS 24 - 104mm. Common Mormon caterpillar

caterpillars of the butterfly Papilio polytes Romulus, commonly known as Common Mormon, on a Curry Leaf (Bergera koenigii) plant in the back area. 

5th-stage instar caterpillar of Common Mormon butterfly
27 Jan 2026. 9.53am. Lentor Plain potted curry leaf plant
105mm, 1/500 sec, f/4.5, ISO 640

Lens 24 - 105 mm 

 

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caterpillar of Common Mormon butterfly
27 Jan 2026. 9.42am. Lentor Plain potted curry leaf plant
100mm, 1/1250 sec, f/4.5, ISO 3200

Lens 24 - 105 mm 

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 Both the Lime Butterfly and Common Mormon caterpillars feed on Citrus sp and Clausena. To distinguish them, look at the spots joining the false eyes. If there is a brown - black band, it is a Lime. Common Mormon is clean. Also Common Mormon has white tails. Common Mormon may also be found on Curry Leaf.

 

 

 

 

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Curry leaf caterpillars are the larvae of the Common Mormon butterfly (Papilio polytes) or sometimes the Lime butterfly (Papilio demoleus), which feed voraciously on young, tender curry leaves, often leaving only the midribs. They start as dark brown, bird-dropping-like caterpillars, turning green/white as they grow before forming chrysalises. 

Key Facts & Management

• Appearance: Early instars are dark brown with irregular white markings; later stages are green with black, white, or red spots.
• Behavior: They are solitary, feeding on young shoots and, if threatened, may display an organ called an osmeterium that releases a strong, defensive odor.
• Damage: They can quickly defoliate young or small potted curry leaf plants.
• Manual Control: The most effective control is to hand-pick the caterpillars and remove them, or place them in soapy water.
• Natural Remedies: Spraying neem oil or applying Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) can manage them.
• Lifespan: They turn into beautiful black and white butterflies in roughly 10 days after pupation. 

While they are pests, they are also a sign of a healthy, pesticide-free garden, and many gardeners choose to share their leaves with them.