Common Mormon vs Common Footman Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Mormon | Common Footman Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Papilio polytes | Eilema lurideola |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Papilionidae | Erebidae |
| Size | 90-100 mm wingspan | 31-38 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Heathland | Underground |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | South Asia, Southeast Asia | Europe, Western Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Common Mormon
Males are plain black with a cream band; females occur in multiple forms mimicking different toxic species. A textbook example of female-limited polymorphism.
Did You Know?
A single gene called doublesex controls the switch between its mimetic female forms.
Common Footman Moth
A narrow-winged grey moth with a distinctive yellow-orange leading edge on the forewing. It rests with wings wrapped tightly around its body like a rolled leaf.
Did You Know?
Its common name refers to the way it wraps its wings like a footman standing at attention.