Italian Festoon
Common NameItalian Festoon
Scientific NameZerynthia polyxena
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyParnassiinae
Wingspan (mm)49
Primary Colorscream, black, red, blue
HabitatWarm, dry grasslands, scrubland, rocky slopes, open woodlands
Geographic RangeSouthern and Central Europe, parts of Western Asia
Host PlantsAristolochia clematitis, Aristolochia rotunda
Flight PeriodMarch to June
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on Aristolochia host plants. Larvae are initially black, later yellowish-green with black spots and tubercles. Pupation occurs on the ground or low vegetation, with the pupa often overwintering.
Identification TipsLook for the striking cream-yellow and black pattern, especially the red-orange and blue spots on the hindwings. The wavy outer wing margins are also a key feature. Often found near its Aristolochia host plants.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with cream-yellow wings boldly marked with black bands and spots. The hindwings feature a distinctive submarginal row of red-orange spots, often with blue centers, along a wavy black margin.
