Photo © Maurice Pugh
Southern Festoon
Zerynthia polyxena
Checklist Number56.0002 [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.
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.