Letters From The Larvarium

Apollo, Parnassius apollo papilionidae

Of the 54 species of Apollos, 5 are found in North America, with the rest commonly distributed throughout Europe and Asia. Sporting red oculii dorsal markings, Apollo’s stiff translucent-white wings are uniquely designed for flight in windy conditions and produce a distinctive flapping sound. Unlike most species in the papilionidae family, P. apollo lacks the typical recurved wing tips and has notably shorter antennae.

What they lack in antennae length, however, they make up in sexual stamina. Apollo favours midday copulation that lasts two hours - longer if the weather isn’t overly hot.

Apollo, god of sun and afternoon delight.

A.V.