Parnassius behrii
| Sierra Nevada Parnassian | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Lepidoptera |
| Family: | Papilionidae |
| Genus: | Parnassius |
| Species: | P. behrii |
| Binomial name | |
| Parnassius behrii W. H. Edwards, 1870 | |
The Sierra Nevada Parnassian (Parnassius behrii) is a species of butterfly in the family Papilionidae. It is native to the Sierra Nevada of California, where it is found in habitats such as rock slides, alpine tundra, and stream edges. Adults use members of the Asteraceae family as nectar plants, and both adults and larvae use Sedum species as nectar and host plants.[1] P. behrii has one flight from mid-July to early September.[2]
The wingspan measures 4.9 to 5.3 centimeters (1.9 to 2.1 in). The dorsal fore wing has two black spots and one to three yellow-orange spots along the costa. The hind wing has two yellow-orange spots. The abdomen has pale yellow hairs.[1]
Males fly close to the ground when searching for females. The eggs are laid singly on many surfaces. The caterpillars feed on the leaves of the host plant and will sometimes consume the flowers and seeds. P. behrii hibernates as an egg.[1]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Opler, Paul A.; Lotts, Kelly; Naberhaus, Thomas (2010). "Sierra Nevada Parnassian Parnassius behrii W.H. Edwards, 1870". Butterflies and Moths of North America. Retrieved 22 January 2011.
- ↑ Poole, Robert W. (1999). "Sierra Nevada Parnassian (Parnassius behrii)". Nearctia.com: The natural history of North America. Retrieved 22 January 2011.