Archon apollinus

The False Apollo, scientifically known as *Archon apollinus*, is a captivating butterfly belonging to the Parnassinae subfamily. This butterfly can be found fluttering through Central and Eastern Europe as well as West Asia, in countries including Greece, Turkey, Iraq, Syria, Jordan, Israel, and Lebanon. There are approximately four or five recognized subspecies of this butterfly, each possessing its own distinctive characteristics. Notably, the False Apollo has a close relative, *Archon apollinaris*, which bears a striking resemblance but constitutes a separate species. Although they inhabit the same regions, these two species do not interbreed.

One intriguing feature of the False Apollo is its tendency to lose some of its wing scales, particularly on the forewings, as it ages. This results in a somewhat transparent appearance over time. The caterpillars of this butterfly have a specific penchant for plants in the Aristolochia family. They feed on various species such as *A. poecilantha*, *A. parviflora*, *A. bodamae*, *A. hirta*, *A. bottae*, *A. auricularia*, *A. rotunda*, *A. sempervirens*, *A. maurorum*, and *A. billardieri*.