Great Memnon (Papilionidae Papilio memnon)

Found as catepillars feeding on various kinds of Citrus at Tai Tam and  North Point, Hong Kong.  The males only occur in one form, black.  They can be distinguished from the Dark Mormon by red patches near the base of the wings and by the larger size, as well as by the larval foodplant.  The females have a tailed and a tailess form.  Additionally, in terms of wingspan and in the amount of white on the hindwings, the females can vary considerably.  This is the one of the largest butterflies in Hong Kong.

Graphium doson upper
2nd instar larva;
Found on April 15, 2002
length was about 2 cm / 0.75 inch

Graphium doson under
4th instar larva; 4/22/2002
length was about 4.2 cm / 1.7 inch


Pupation began on April 27 and finished forming two days later.
 
 


female form Achates
Wingspan is about 13 cm / 5.3 inches.

female form Achates
left is top; right is underside
Wingspan is about 11.5 cm / 4.5 inches.

female form Agenor
Wingspan is about 12 cm / 4.7 inches.

Wingspan is about 12 cm / 4.7 inches.
Both top and bottom sides show deep irridescent blue.
 

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kilroy
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This page last updated 30-Mar-2006.