Zerynthia cretica

BUTTERFLY INFO

Zerynthia cretica is a butterfly of the family Papilionidae on the island of Crete, Greece.

Scientific name

Zerynthia cretica (Rebel, 1904)

Common name

Cretan Festoon

Classification

Family: Papilionidae> Subfamily: Parnassiinae > Tribus: Zerynthiini > Genus: Zerynthia

Wingspan

Male to female: 50-60 mm

Appearance

Habitat

Zerynthia cretica in Crete can be found in vineyards, olive groves, rocky slopes, and different habitats of its host plants.

Behavior

It flies close to the ground and usually opens its wings when resting. Yellow black and red colors warn enemies that it is poisonous.

Food plant

The larva feeds on the three Aristolochia plants of the island (Aristolochia cretica, Aristolochia parvifolia, and Aristolochia sempervirens).

Flight period

The butterflies fly in one generation per year.

Remarks

It is the only Zerynthia species flying on the island. The butterfly is widespread across Crete, flying in many protected areas of the island.

Status*

Near Threatened (ΝΤ) [B1b(iii,v)+2b(iii,v)])

(*Red List Greece, 2024)