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Apollo

Apollo

Parnassius apollo

A species of Apollos

The apollo is characterized by a striking and distinct wing pattern; their forewings and hindwings display a creamy white base, adorned with black bands and red eye spots. This vivid coloration plays a crucial role in their survival, contributing to both camouflage against predators and communication during courtship. In their larval stage, they consume various species of alpine plants, while adults prefer feeding on nectar, thus pollinating a range of alpine flowers. Their lifecycle is a brilliant display of adaptation to mountainous habitats.

General Info About Apollo
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Attributes of Apollo
Colors
Black
White
Orange
Habitat
hill; flowery alpine meadow; pasture
Adult Food Sources
Thistles (cirsium species), knautia species, buddleja (butterfly bush), lavender (lavandula species), valerian (valeriana officinalis)
Larva Food Source
Sedum species, sempervivum species, orpine (hylotelephium telephium), stonecrop (sedum album), houseleek (sempervivum tectorum)
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Apollo is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Apollo is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Apollo feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
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Species Status of Apollo
It is found in Asia and Europe.
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Distribution Area of Apollo
Europe
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Life Cycle of Apollo
Egg The initial stage of apollo begins as an egg with a hard protective coating, often laid on host plants. Tiny and spherical, the eggs are imperceptible color changes as development progresses inside.
Larva The larva of apollo, commonly called a caterpillar, emerges with a voracious appetite. It has a cylindrical body, distinct banding or color patterns, and grows significantly, molting several times during this stage.
Pupal During the pupal stage, apollo undergoes transformation within a chrysalis. Its size and shape reflect the adult it will become but remains completely immobile as tissues rearrange and differentiate into adult structures.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult apollo develops wings and functional reproductive organs. The exoskeleton is fully sclerotized, while the distinct wing patterns and colors are displayed for mating and deterrence of predators.
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Adult Size of Apollo
6 - 9 cm
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Predators of Apollo Larvae
Birds, rodents, wasps, ants, spiders
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Predators of Adult Apollo
Birds, spiders, rodents, mantises
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Interesting Facts About Apollo
Apollo exhibits remarkable temperature regulation by orienting its wings toward the sun, achieving ideal body heat for flight without overheating.
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Scientific Classification of Apollo
Tips for Finding Apollo
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Youth Habitat of Apollo
Mountains and Alpine Regions, Grasslands and Prairies
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Adult Habitat of Apollo
Mountains and Alpine Regions, Grasslands and Prairies
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How Can You Attract Apollo
For adult apollo, sweet substances such as overripe fruits or sugary solutions can be used as attractants to lure them into traps or to a specific location for viewing.
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Habitat Preferences of Apollo Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of apollo are typically found on the underside of host plants, often stonecrop or sedum species, located in submontane zones or grassy mountain meadows. Once hatched, the caterpillars reside on and consume these plants, sometimes migrating to adjacent flora as they develop. The chrysalises are usually attached to substrate near the food plants, including rocks or stems. To observe these stages, one would search these habitats, carefully examining the host plants and surrounding vegetation during the appropriate seasons. Adults predominantly inhabit alpine meadows with abundant flowering plants for nectar; they are often seen fluttering near these areas on sunny days. To find them, one would trek through these terrains, scanning for their distinctive flight near nectar sources.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Apollo
The best time to find adult apollo is typically on warm, sunny days, especially in late spring to summer when they are most active. For other stages, timing can be more variable and dependent on the local climate, as it affects their life cycle.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Apollo
Clear, calm weather is most suitable for locating adult apollo, as strong winds can inhibit their flight, and rain can drive them to take shelter. Overcast conditions might still allow for finding caterpillars or pupae which are less affected by short-term weather changes.
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How and Where Can You Find Apollo at Different Life Stages
Egg Apollo eggs are small, usually laid on the host plants. Search for apollo eggs by examining the leaves of known host plants, looking for small, rounded or ovular objects that seem attached to the plant surface.
Larva Apollo larvae can be found on or near their specific host plants. To find them, inspect the leaves for signs of feeding, such as holes or edges eaten away, and look for the presence of frass (larval droppings).
Pupal Apollo pupae may be attached to plant stems or sheltered in leaf litter. To locate them, carefully search around the base of host plants and check for camouflaged pupae amongst twigs and fallen leaves.
Adult Adult apollo are most often found feeding on nectar from flowers, basking in the sun on leaves, or flying in search of mates. Look for apollo in flowering meadows or along forest edges where host plants and flowers are abundant.
Are Apollo harmful?
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Usually, the apollo won't threaten or hurt humans. But remember that even a worm will turn. Remember to still be cautious.

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Are Apollo harmful to humans?

They are not a poisonous butterfly, but they have a special gland that secretes bad smells and chemicals.
Beneficial Effects of Apollo
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Attract Plant Feature
Color
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Apollo is attracted primarily by the color of flowers, and engages in pollination while consuming pollen. These insects may inadvertently transfer pollen between flowers as they move about, fulfilling an important ecological role as pollinators.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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