Parnassius apollo

304_3304 [Parnassius apollo]

Parnassius apollo flies from July to end of August on high altitudes (1000-2300m)

of almost all mountains from Spain through Europe to Central Asia.

This is why it is often called “mountain apollo”.

 

It prefers mountain fields and forests

but above the tree line it looks for rocky slopes.

It is very rarely found in shadowy and wet places.

 

Its populations vary from locally restricted to dense or extinct.

This is why it is completely or partially protected

in almost all countries where it flies

and is considered of a great interest to any collector.

 

A fairly large (70-80mm), beautiful butterfly with vivid colors and designs,

attractive to humans but threatening to predators!

 

A note, perhaps of interest, to photographers: 

The Apollo is rather lethargic. It stays for long periods on flowers

keeping the wings entirely open

and so it provides opportunities for a close view or a closeup photography.

 

The picture was taken on Mt. Oiti, central Greece.