The Common Mormon Butterfly of Bali

One of the most welcome visitors to our Ubud jungle sanctuary is the Papilio Polytes, or Common Mormon. This striking swallowtail butterfly is a common sight, yet it holds a fascinating secret. The males are a handsome, velvety black with a bold band of white spots. The females, however, are masters of disguise and are "polymorphic," meaning they can mimic the patterns of other, less palatable butterfly species to avoid predators.

The Papilio Polytes is a perfect symbol of our farm-to-table philosophy. Its caterpillars, which cleverly resemble bird droppings in their early stages for camouflage, feed exclusively on plants in the citrus family (Rutaceae).

Our organic garden is purposefully planted with kaffir lime, pomelo, and curry leaf trees for our restaurant's recipes. This abundance of host plants creates a natural, thriving nursery for the Common Mormon, allowing them to flourish. Watching them float from a citrus leaf to a tropical flower is a beautiful, living example of the harmony between our kitchens and the nature that surrounds us.