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.
Parnassius charitonius is found in Afghanistan, Pakistan, northern India, and across central Asia to Tibet.
Habitats
This species breeds on almost barren mountainsides at very high altitudes ( up to at least 4100m ).
Lifecycle
The larval foodplant is Corydalis.
Adult behaviour
To be completed.