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The butterfly guide

Chapter 92: Genus PARNASSIUS Latreille (The Parnassians).
By W. J. Holland
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Nature/Gardening/Animals

About This Book

A concise field manual for identifying common North American butterflies, presenting 295 colored figures that depict 255 species and varieties alongside succinct descriptions of wing patterns, sizes, ranges, and habits. The text opens with accessible explanations of butterfly anatomy, classification, and life history, then provides practical, field-oriented identification guidance, often illustrating only a single wing side or half when adequate. Emphasis is on clear visual comparison, terminology, and observation tips to assist naturalists and beginners in recognizing and distinguishing species across the United States and Canada.

Subfamily PARNASSIINÆ
(The Parnassians).

This peculiar group of butterflies is classed with the Papilionidæ because the internal vein of the hind wings is always wanting, a characteristic of all papilionine genera. The caterpillars are not provided with osmateria, or offensive scent-organs, and pupation takes place upon the ground among loosely scattered leaves which are interwoven by the larva with a few loose strands of silk. The insects are mainly inhabitants of the mountain regions of the northern hemisphere.

Genus PARNASSIUS Latreille
(The Parnassians).

PL. CXI

What has been said of the family will suffice to characterize the genus.

(1) Parnassius smintheus Doubleday & Hewitson, Plate CXI, Fig. 1, ♂; Fig. 2, ♀ (The Colorado Parnassian).

This is a somewhat variable species, but may easily be recognized by the figures we give. Expanse ♂, 2.00-2.50; ♀, 2.25-3.00 inches.

Ranges from New Mexico and Colorado west to California and north to Montana. The caterpillar feeds upon Sedum and Saxifraga.