Photo © Maurice Pugh

Southern Festoon

Zerynthia polyxena

Checklist Number
56.0002 [B&F: 1538a]

Verification
Record requires retention of specimen until confirmed, and may require dissection. Consult with CMR if unsure

Classification

Family:Papilionidae
Subfamily:Parnassiinae
Genus:Zerynthia
Species:polyxena
Authority:([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

Locally common, in scrubland, flower meadows and rocky areas, throughout much of south-eastern Europe.

The only British record was a single specimen was caught by two boys on 27th May 1884 near Exeter, Devon, and it is believed that it was originally purchased as a pupa from a natural history dealer; it is therefore unclear why it should be included on the British list, Appendix A or otherwise. A beautiful insect nonetheless.
Wingspan 45-50 mm. Larva feeds on Birthwort.