A stunning mountain butterfly, this species is possibly my favourite. Its striking colouration and grandeur give it instant appeal and interestingly it is one of the only species in Europe with an audible flight; its wings sometimes sounding like two pieces of tissue paper during flight. There are several distinctive forms found across Europe, with specimens from the Balkans possessing rich red spots whereas those from Spanish mountain ranges have orange spots. It flies alongside the Small Apollo in the Alps but can be separated by its lack of red spots along the front margin of the forewing. It is a threatened species and receives protection in most European countries.  Like some other Papilonids, it can be quite oblivious to people when it is feeding. It can also be fairly approachable whilst roosting, which is best observed in early morning or evening.

Distribution: Widely distributed in the higher mountain ranges of Europe, from Spain eastwards towards the Balkans and Greece. Also found in south Norway, Sweden, Finland and Estonia, usually closer to sea level.

Flight Period: May-September in one prolonged brood.

Habitat: Rocky hillsides, upland meadows, alpine grassland, from 500-2500m, although in northern Europe it occupies lower altitudes.

Foodplants: Stonecrops, such as White Stonecrop (Sedum album), Orpine (Sedum telephium), Reflexed Stonecrop (Sedum rupestre) and sometimes Houseleeks, such as Mountain Houseleek (Sempervivum montanum).

Nectar Sources: A wide variety of upland flowers, with large purple nectar-rich plants like scabiouses (Knautia, Scabiosa), knapweeds (Centaurea) and thistles (Cynareae) being particular favourites.