Rocky Mountain Parnassian
Common NameRocky Mountain Parnassian
Scientific NameParnassius smintheus
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyParnassiinae
Wingspan (mm)60
Primary Colorswhite, black, red
HabitatAlpine and subalpine meadows, rocky slopes, open forests in mountainous regions
Geographic RangeWestern North America, including the Rocky Mountains from Alaska to New Mexico and Arizona, and west to the Sierra Nevada
Host PlantsSedum lanceolatum, Sedum integrifolium, Sedum spathulifolium
Flight PeriodLate June to early September
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on or near stonecrop host plants. Larvae are dark with yellow spots and typically overwinter as first instar larvae within the egg or as young larvae. Pupation occurs in a loose cocoon on the ground.
Identification TipsKey features include its white, semi-translucent wings with black spots and bright red ocelli. It has a relatively weak, fluttering flight and is found in high-altitude mountain environments.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with predominantly white, somewhat translucent wings, featuring prominent black spots and distinctive red-ringed ocelli on both forewings and hindwings.
