Apollo Butterfly
Common NameApollo Butterfly
Scientific NameParnassius apollo
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyParnassiinae
Wingspan (mm)70
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorswhite, black, red
HabitatMountainous regions, subalpine meadows, rocky slopes, forest clearings
Geographic RangeEurope (especially central and southern mountains), parts of Asia (Siberia, Central Asia)
Host PlantsSedum telephium, Sedum album, Sedum rosea, Sempervivum
Flight PeriodJune to September
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusvulnerable
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plants. Larvae are black with rows of orange or yellow spots and fine hairs, feeding on Sedum and Sempervivum species. They pupate in a loose cocoon on the ground, and adults emerge in the summer.
Identification TipsKey features include its large size, white semi-transparent wings, prominent red-ringed eyespots on the hindwings, and black spots on the forewings. Its slow, deliberate gliding flight is also characteristic.
Description
A large, striking white butterfly with semi-transparent wings, adorned with prominent black spots on the forewings and distinctive red-ringed eyespots on the hindwings. The provided image shows its caterpillar, which is black with orange spots.
