Southern Festoon
Image: Danilo Ugrnov (CC BY 4.0)
Common NameSouthern Festoon
Scientific NameZerynthia polyxena
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyParnassiinae
Wingspan (mm)48
Primary Colorscream, black, red, orange
HabitatWarm, dry grasslands, scrubland, rocky slopes, open woodlands, often near host plants.
Geographic RangeSouthern and Central Europe, extending eastwards into parts of Western Asia.
Host PlantsAristolochia clematitis, Aristolochia rotunda, Aristolochia pallida
Flight PeriodMarch to June
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on the leaves of Aristolochia host plants. The larvae are spiny and feed on the leaves, pupating on stems or rocks, often overwintering as pupae.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive black-on-cream checkered pattern across all wings, combined with a row of bright red-orange spots along the outer margin of the hindwings. The hindwings also have a wavy or scalloped edge.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with creamy-white wings heavily marked with a complex pattern of black lines and spots, featuring prominent red-orange spots on the hindwings.
