Phoebus Apollo - Petit Apollon - Hochalpen-Apollo

Description:

Near Threatened. This beautiful, partially translucid relative of Parnassius apollo is much less frequently encountered than its larger cousin. It is a specialist of higher altitudes, found above tree level and close to flowing water. Finding its larval host plant (in Switzerland: Yellow Mountain Saxifrage, Saxifraga aizoides) in July will almost guarantee the sighting of this species nearby. It can be distinguished from P. apollo by a red-centered spot on the forewings near the apex, more boldly striped black and white antennae, and its hectic and nervous flight. The very reduced black spot at the center of the forewing indicates this is a male (this spot is much more pronounced in females).

Habitat:

Alpine meadow, east facing slope in sheltered gully, alt. 2200m ASL, proximity of mountain stream and larval host plant Saxifraga aizoides.

Notes:

One of 3 specimen sighted and identified on that day at this location.
Images 1, 2 and 6: ventral view.
Image 3: dorsal view.
Image 4: habitat.
Image 5: larval host plant Saxifraga aizoides.
Classified as Near Threatened due to population decline. Threats come from changes in management of (sub)-alpine meadows. It could get threatened in the future by climate change. http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/summa...
Distribution: Alps, Urals, Siberia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, China, Alaska and Canada south through the United States to Utah and New Mexico.
See also: http://www.eurobutterflies.com/sp/phoebu...
https://www.butterfliesoffrance.com/html...