Best Parnassian
The Apollo butterfly (*Parnassius apollo*) is a Palearctic butterfly belonging to the swallowtail family, Papilionidae. It inhabits mountainous regions across Europe and Asia, typically found in alpine meadows and rocky slopes at varying elevations. The insect is physically distinguished by its tran...
Why this score?
Protected alpine classic with distinctive red eyespots, strong European reputation, conservation importance, and long collector interest.
Scoring methodology
Parnassius phoebus, commonly known as the Phoebus Parnassian, is a high-altitude butterfly found in alpine meadows across parts of North America and Eurasia. It belongs to the family Papilionidae and features a white to pale yellow base coloration on its wings, marked with distinctive black spots an...
Why this score?
Alpine parnassian with attractive patterning and broad Holarctic interest, though taxonomic complexity limits general recognition.
Scoring methodology
The Clodius Parnassian (*Parnassius clodius*) is a butterfly species belonging to the swallowtail family, Papilionidae. Native to North America, it inhabits mountain meadows, forests, and alpine regions across the western United States and parts of Canada. The species features predominantly white wi...
Why this score?
Distinctive North American parnassian with mountain habitat appeal, but narrower recognition and less dramatic reputation than Apollo.
Scoring methodology
