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Phoebus Parnassian

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description Phoebus Parnassian Overview

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 and red-ringed black ocelli. These visual characteristics help distinguish it from other parnassian species within its range. The butterfly is adapted to cold mountainous environments where its host plants are typically found.

help Phoebus Parnassian FAQ

Where does the Phoebus Parnassian butterfly live?

The Phoebus Parnassian (Parnassius phoebus) is found in high-altitude alpine and subalpine meadows across parts of Eurasia and North America. It typically inhabits elevations above the tree line in rocky, flower-rich terrain where its host plants grow.

What does the Phoebus Parnassian look like?

The Phoebus Parnassian has a white to pale yellow base wing coloration marked with distinctive black spots and patterns. Like other Parnassians, it features semi-transparent patches near the wing margins and sometimes reddish-orange spots on the hindwings.

What butterfly family does the Phoebus Parnassian belong to?

The Phoebus Parnassian belongs to the family Papilionidae, which includes swallowtails and parnassians. Unlike most Papilionidae members, Parnassius species lack the tail-like hindwing extensions that give swallowtails their common name.

What do Phoebus Parnassian caterpillars eat?

Phoebus Parnassian caterpillars feed on plants in the genus Saxifraga and related stonecrop families (Crassulaceae), which are common in alpine habitats. Adult butterflies nectar on a variety of small alpine wildflowers growing in their high-elevation meadow environments.

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