Rare Apollo Butterfly Spotted in Kirklareli Garden
A rare sighting of an Apollo butterfly (Parnassius apollo) has been reported in a garden in Kirklareli. This beautiful creature, known for its high-altitude flights, was observed during the afternoon.
The Apollo butterfly, a member of the Satyrinae subfamily and the Nymphalidae family, is also referred to as the 'Brush-footed' butterfly due to its distinctive front legs. It is widespread in the Palearctic region and can be found in various habitats like grasslands, gardens, parks, and along roadsides. It is easily recognizable by its dark brown upper wing in males, with a black spot on the front wing, and a lighter upper wing in females, featuring a wider orange middle band on the underside with a larger black spot.
This species is univoltine, producing only one generation per year. The caterpillars primarily feed on various grasses and plants from genera such as Bromus, Festuca, Milium, Lolium, Avena, Brachypodium, Gramineae, Alopecurus, and Poa. Adult butterflies can be seen flying at high altitudes between May and October, with peak activity during June and August.
The Apollo butterfly's presence in Kirklareli is a testament to its wide distribution across the Palearctic region, including Turkey. Its high-altitude flights and unique appearance make it a fascinating subject for nature enthusiasts and butterfly watchers alike.
