This species is, as its name suggests, slightly smaller than the Apollo, with which it often flies in the Alps. A more reliable identification feature however is the presence of a red spot (or several) close to the tip of the forewing. The antennae are also subtly ringed black and white, whereas those of the Apollo are a continuous colour. It is much more localised than the Apollo too, generally being found above 1800m around damp rocky areas where its foodplant, Yellow Mountain Saxifrage (Saxifraga aizoides) grows.

Distribution: Limited to higher altitudes in the Alps of SE France, N Italy, S Switzerland and C & W Austria.

Flight Period: Flies in a single generation between late June and late August, peaking in July.

Habitat: Alpine grassland, damp meadows and streamsides between 1600m-2800m, but generally more numerous around the 2000m mark.

Foodplants: Yellow Mountain Saxifrage (Saxifraga aizoides) and possibly other related plants.

Nectar Sources: Prefers nectar-rich composite flowers such as knapweeds (Centaurea), thistles (Cirsium), scabiouses (Scabiosa), Shaggy Hawkweed (Hieracium villosum) and Chamois Ragwort (Senecio doronicum).