Papilio alexanor

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Papilio alexanor
Papilio alexanor MHNT CUT 2013 3 10 Cucuron Male Dorsal.jpg
Papilio alexanor MHNT CUT 2013 3 10 Cucuron Male Ventral.jpg
Scientific classification Red Pencil Icon.png
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Papilionidae
Genus: Papilio
Species:
P. alexanor
Binomial name
Papilio alexanor
Esper, 1799

Papilio alexanor, the Alexanor or southern swallowtail, is a butterfly species in the Papilionidae or swallowtails.

Contents

The insect has a wingspan of 62–70 mm. It flies from April to July in a single generation, in mountainous regions (1700 m) of Europe, Asia Minor, the Balkans, and Asia (Anatolia, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan to west Tian-Shan).

On an Azerbaijan stamp Stamps of Azerbaijan, 2009-869.jpg
On an Azerbaijan stamp

Description

Papilio alexanor is similar to Papilio machaon , however, the basal third of the forewing is not entirely black, but bordered basally and distally by a broad black band. The bands are continued across the hindwing, bordering also here the yellow basal area.

The larva is similar to that of P. machaon but more variegated, the red dots larger and brighter; it is easy to find, since the stalks of the plants on which it feeds become white, the epidermis being gnawed. Pupa are stone grey, very flat, with carinate sides and uneven surface; fastened on stones and resembling a small stone splinter.

Subspecies

Biology

The larva feeds on Umbelliferae, notably Trinia vulgaris , Seseli montanum , Ptychotis saxifraga , Opopanax chironium , and a number of Ferula species. [1]

Protection

It is a protected species.

Related Research Articles

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<i>Papilio joanae</i> Species of butterfly

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References