Parnassius delphius

Banded Apollo
Parnassius delphius maximinus, male from Kyrgyzstan
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Lepidoptera
Family:	Papilionidae
Genus:	Parnassius
Species:	P. delphius
Binomial name
Parnassius delphius Eversmann, 1843

Parnassius delphius, the banded Apollo, is a high-altitude butterfly which is found in Central Asia. It is a member of the genus Parnassius of the swallowtail (Papilionidae) family.

Note: The wing pattern in Parnassius species is inconsistent and the very many subspecies and forms make identification problematic and uncertain. Structural characters derived from the genitalia, wing venation, sphragis and foretibial epiphysis are more, but not entirely reliable. The description given here is a guide only. For an identification key see Ackery P.R. (1975).

Discal markings dull, submarginal band of forewing distinct, hindmarginal spot absent as a rule; ocelli of hindwing bright carmine, hindmarginal spots black, blackish hindmarginal area broad, two bluish-black anal spots, a faint submarginal and narrow marginal band.

Northern Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.

Widely distributed. Locally common, generally rare. Not known to be threatened. Requires further research. Protected by law in India. Featured in erstwhile USSR Red Data Book as vulnerable.

There are up to 44 subspecies.

Parnassius delphius infernalis, male from the Alai Mountains

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