Description
The Apollo caterpillar is black and velvety, with a row of orange-red spots on each side of the body, above the spiracles. The head is black. This dark, contrasting pattern remains consistent throughout all five larval stages — only the size changes significantly. Caterpillars are active only in sunny weather and hide under rocks the rest of the time. When disturbed, they deploy their osmeterium, just like the Swallowtail.
Information
Host plants
Distribution
Most mountain ranges in Europe, above 1000m.
Notes
Orange-scented osmeterium when threatened. Protected species in France.