Introduction
The genus Parnassius, known commonly as Apollos, comprises of 54 species. Three of these are endemic to North America, a further 2 are found both in North America and the Palaearctic, and the remainder are distributed variously across Europe and temperate Asia.
Parnassius are instantly recognisable as a genus, having rounded translucent whitish wings that in most species are adorned with prominent white-centred red ocelli. Unlike most other Papilionidae they have short antennae with non-recurved tips.
Many Parnassius species are exceedingly rare and have a very localised distribution, but delphius is quite widespread, being found from Afghanistan to northern India, and across central temperate Asia to Tibet and western China.
Habitats
This species breeds on rocky mountainsides, typically choosing sites where there are flat boulders on which they can bask, and crevices or hollows in which they can hide during bad weather. The butterflies are generally found at altitudes between about 2000-3300m.
Lifecycle
The larval foodplants include Cysticorydalis and Corydalis.
Adult behaviour
To be completed.