Spanish Festoon; Mariposa arlequín

Description:

Middle-sized butterfly with a wingspan up to 5 cm. The wings present on their upper face a unique yellow, black and red checkerboard that cannot be confused with any other species. Howevern in South east France it can be confused with the "southern festoon", Zerynthia polyxena. The two can be told apart by the presence of blue on the hindwing of the Southern festoon (Z. polyxena). The Spanish festoon (Z. rumina) also has extensive red on the forewings. There is only one generation flying from February to May. In South Spain and North Africa there is a second brood in September. The caterpillars winter as chrysalids. The caterpillars feed on Aristolochia species, accumulating toxic alkaloids as a defence against predators.

Habitat:

South west of Europe (Iberian peninsula and south of France) and North Africa. Spotted on a pine tree Holm oak forest

Notes:

Camera Model: NIKON D300. Exposure Time: 1/800 sec.; f/14; ISO Speed Rating: 800. Focal Length: 300.0 mm. Flash fired