The Small Apollo is a distinctive, semi-transparent white butterfly with red eyespots on both wings, found in arctic-alpine habitats above treeline. It is a member of the Parnassians, primitive swallowtail relatives with a papery, diaphanous wing texture. After mating, males deposit a waxy structure (sphragis) on the female to prevent re-mating — a behavior unique in butterflies.
Habitat
Alpine and subalpine tundra, rocky slopes, and arctic meadows
Diet
Larvae: stonecrops and saxifrages. Adults: nectar from alpine flowers
How common
Uncommon
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