Apollo butterfly - description, habitat, species

Butterfly Apollo belongs to the family Sailboats. It is one of the most beautiful day butterflies in Europe. Many collectors dream of getting such an instance. The insect got its name precisely because of the beauty of the wings. Currently, there are approximately 600 subspecies, which is very attractive to naturalists. The biology of many subspecies has not yet been studied.

Appearance

The wings are white, beige or cream color, the edges are transparent. The approximate length of the front wings is 4 cm. On each hind wing there is a red or orange spot in a black circle with a white center. In males, the patterns are slightly smaller than in females.

The wingspan is from 7 to 9 cm. On the head there are short white antennae with black ends. They are the main organ of touch and help the butterfly to navigate.

Large black eyes. On thin short beige-colored legs, barely noticeable villi. Short hairs also grow on the abdomen.

Before transformation, the caterpillar has a black color with white patches. All over the body are small bundles of hairs. Older caterpillars reach 5 cm in length. They have dark blue warts on each side, one at a time, as well as 2 red spots, one slightly wider than the other.

Habitat

Apollo prefers mountainous terrain, valleys at an altitude of 2 km and above. The habitat is very wide. Individuals can be found in many places. Most often, the butterfly is found in the following countries:

• Russia;
• Spain;
• Norway;
• Sweden;
• Finland;
• Mongolia.

Apollo can be seen in the Alps, and some species are adapted to life in the Himalayas. A butterfly settles in a pine forest, near mountain rivers. It can also be found in deciduous or coniferous forests at the edge of the forest.

Demeanor and lifestyle

Apollo can be found in the summer. This species prefers to lead a daytime lifestyle, and sleep in the tall grass at night. If the butterfly feels danger, it immediately flies away. However, it flies, surprisingly, weakly and awkwardly. Although, when looking for food, she is able to overcome about 5 km.

Birds do not prey on the Apollo butterfly because of deceptive coloring. Red spots seem to indicate that the insect is poisonous (this is not so), and predators avoid contact with the butterfly. In addition, Apollo rubs his paws against each other, making creaking sounds that even more frighten the birds.

Number

Most butterfly species, one way or another, belong to the category of endangered species. The same can be said about Apollo. In habitats, many individuals are found, but they are caught in large numbers. Because of this, this species faces complete extinction. Poachers and collectors are attracted by the beauty of the wings. In the last century, the Apollo butterfly almost completely disappeared in most parts of Russia that it inhabited. In Europe and Asia, the number of insects is noticeably reduced.

In addition, the anthropogenic factor carries a great danger to the abundance of this species. Man destroys food zones, and individuals have nothing to eat. Apollo is also very sensitive to the sun's rays, from which he hides in the grass.

In most countries where the Apollo butterfly lives, this species is listed in the Red Book. At the moment, biologists are trying their best to prevent the complete disappearance of the insect. Nurseries are being created, the number of forage territories is increasing. However, all of the above measures have not yet brought a serious result.

At present, in some regions of Russia, where a large number of Apollo individuals used to live, this butterfly is rarely found. In the world of zoology, news periodically appears that an insect of this species has been seen in different areas. The matter is immediately taken under control by biologists. They study the species, contribute to its reproduction and increase in population.

Diet

Caterpillars are very gluttonous. As soon as they are born, immediately begin to eat. Powerful jaws gnaw more and more leaves. If the caterpillar does not find foliage, it can eat small insects and their larvae.

After turning into a butterfly, Apollo, like all insects of this species, eats flower nectar. To do this, he has a spiral proboscis, which in the process of feeding is untwisted and leveled straight.

Propagation method

The butterfly Apollo breeds in the summer. Females lay hundreds of small eggs on the leaves. All of them are round in shape with a diameter of 2 mm. Hatching occurs in April - June. The color of the larvae is black with orange dots throughout the body.

After hatching, the process of active nutrition immediately begins. This is due to the future transformation, its implementation will require a lot of energy. Constantly eating, they increase body weight, while the shell becomes thinner.

Later, the Apollo butterfly begins to molt, which is repeated 5 times. Then, when the caterpillar has grown sufficiently, it falls to the ground and becomes a chrysalis. This process will take about two months. The caterpillar in the cocoon does not move and does not show signs of life. After that, she turns into a beautiful butterfly. As soon as the wings are dry, the insect begins to seek food.

Apollo lives 2 summer seasons. Before winter, the female lays eggs, from which larvae hatch in the summer. After significant changes, a beautiful butterfly appears, which pleases the eye when meeting with it.

Subspecies and their distinguishing features

Apollo butterfly has about 600 species. The fact is that it has a wide geography. Naturalists revealed a certain pattern: depending on climatic conditions, the color of Apollo is changing. In each region, the butterfly has an individual coloring, the location of spots, etc. Entomologists (scientists studying insects) cause a lot of controversy because of this. They can be divided into 2 groups:

1. It is believed that due to the distinctive features in appearance of many individuals, a subspecies can be distinguished.
2. Deny any subspecies, despite the differences.

Butterfly Apollo is not fully understood. Perhaps the list of subspecies will be replenished.

Black Apollo (Mnemosyne)
The wingspan is 5-6 cm. Unlike simple Apollo, Mnemosyne has no red spots, and the edges of the wings are more transparent. Veins on the wings are pronounced. There are 2 black spots on each upper wing. The body is black.

Arctic Apollo (Apollo Ammosova)
The wingspan is even smaller - not exceeding 4 cm. The males have white wings, the females have gray ones due to the abundant fluffy cover. There are 3 small spots on the upper wings. There are individuals with a red spot on the lower wing and without it. Arctic Apollo is often found in the northern regions of Russia. It can tolerate low temperatures compared to the stamina of other Apollo subspecies. It is difficult for him to find food, since there is no abundant vegetation on the territory of his residence. Sometimes it migrates to larch deposits for mating. There is practically no biological data on Apollon Ammosov.

Apollo Nordmann
This subspecies can be found only in the alpine belt of the Greater and Lesser Caucasus. The butterfly got its name in honor of the Russian zoologist, who made a great contribution to the study of the fauna of the Caucasus. Distinguishes Apollo Nordmann from other subspecies of a larger size.

Interesting Facts

1. The butterfly got its name in honor of the Greek god of the sun, Apollo. The beauty of the wings inspired biologists so much that they christened the insect with such a magnificent name.
2. Surprisingly, this species has poor flying abilities. When danger approaches, she tries to fly away as soon as possible. However, this is not always possible to do. In this case, Apollo spreads its wings and begins to rub its paws on them. A hissing sound is created that scares the predators.
3. Apollo butterfly prefers mountainous areas, which is not typical for insects. This species is well adapted to low temperatures. In addition, the insect can be found at high altitude. For example, alpine species live in the Himalayas and feel great at an altitude of 6 km from sea level.
4. Arctic Apollo subspecies lives near an area where snow never melts. For such a fragile insect, this is a real miracle.

Video: Butterfly Apollo (Parnassius apollo)