Common Mormon (larva/caterpillar)

Natural Habitat

Gardens, orchards, and forests where citrus or curry leaf plants are present.

Diet & Feeding

Herbivorous. Larvae feed primarily on the foliage of citrus plants (Citrus spp.) and curry leaf trees (Murraya koenigii).

Behavior Patterns

Larvae start as 'bird dropping' mimics to avoid predators. As they mature, they turn bright green with eyespots to mimic small snakes. They possess an osmeterium, a fleshy Y-shaped organ that emits a foul odor when threatened.

Risks & Benefits

Benefits the ecosystem as a pollinator in its adult butterfly stage. Can be a minor pest to residential citrus or curry leaf plants due to foliage consumption, but they do not pose any physical risk to humans.

Identified on: 4/8/2026