Parnassius simonius

Parnassius simonius
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Lepidoptera
Family:	Papilionidae
Genus:	Parnassius
Species:	P. simonius
Binomial name
Parnassius simonius Staudinger, 1889

Parnassius simonius is a high altitude butterfly which is found only in the Pamir Mountains. The type locality is Aram-Kunghei, Zaalaisky Mts., Kirghizia. It is a member of the Snow Apollo genus Parnassius of the Swallowtail (Papilionidae) family.

P. simonius is found on slopes at 3,400-4,500 m. flying in July. The larva is associated with Lagotis decumbens and Veronica luetkeana.

Identification

Parnassius simo differs from P. simonius by the upper hindwing having submarginal band represented by a discontinuous row of arrow-like teeth and from P. boëdromius, by the upper hindwing submarginal band being smoothly dentate.