Zerynthia cretica (endemic) - photo © K. Bormpoudaki
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 Aristolochia (Aristolochia cretica, A. parviflorum and A. sempervirens) plants.
Flight period
The butterflies fly in one generation per year.
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
Remarks
Although Cretan Festoon is an endemic species with a restricted range, this butterfly is not believed to face major threats.
The butterfly is widespread and common across Crete. It is the only Zerynthia species flying on the island.
Status*
Least Concern (LC)
Zerynthia cretica Distribution Map
Zerynthia cretica location map based on greek butterflies distributions map by L.N. Pamperis (revised 2021)