Parnassius

Parnassius is a genus of butterflies in the family Papilionidae, subfamily Parnassiinae, commonly known as parnassians or snow apollos. They are among the larger and more striking swallowtails and are notable for their alpine and arctic affinities, often displaying pale wings with dark markings.

Distribution and habitat

Parnassius species are distributed mainly across the Palearctic region, from Europe and the Caucasus through Central Asia to the Himalayas and parts of northern North America. They favor high-elevation habitats such as alpine meadows, scree slopes, and tundra, where their larval host plants grow.

Description and biology

Adults are medium to large, with white to pale wings that bear characteristic black markings. Many species have red or orange spots on the hindwings and sometimes translucent wing windows. Wing patterns are diverse among species, and some forms have tails on the hindwings. Flight is typically brief but strong in warm, sunny conditions. Females lay eggs on or near the larval host plants. Larvae primarily feed on Corydalis species and related genera in the Papaveraceae/Fumariaceae, with development occurring through several instars before pupation in leaf litter or crevices.

Systematics and species

The genus comprises numerous species and subspecies. Notable members include Parnassius apollo (the Apollo butterfly) in parts of Europe, Parnassius phoebus (the Phoebus parnassian), and Parnassius mnemosyne (the Clouded Apollo), among others. The taxonomy is complex, with regional forms and ongoing revisions reflecting diversity across its range.

Conservation

Many Parnassius species are highly dependent on specific alpine habitats and are vulnerable to climate change, habitat loss, and collecting pressure. Several are protected or listed as threatened in various countries.