Apollo
Parnassius apollo
Very rare
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
| Family | Papilionidae |
|---|---|
| Size | 4–5 cm |
| Hairiness | poil_ras |
| Observation period | March to June |
| Distribution | Most mountain ranges in Europe, above 1000m. |
| Toxicity | NC |
| Rarity | Very rare |
Host plants
- Stonecrop
- Saxifrage
- Houseleek
Notes
Orange-scented osmeterium when threatened. Protected species in France.