About Small Apollo
A high-altitude alpine butterfly with translucent white wings bearing small red and black spots. It flies weakly over alpine meadows and scree slopes above the treeline.
Did You Know?
It only occurs above the treeline in the Alps and is one of Europe's highest-altitude butterflies.
How to Identify Small Apollo
Small Apollo (Parnassius phoebus) belongs to the order Lepidoptera, family Papilionidae. Adults typically measure 50-60 mm wingspan.
Small Apollo Habitat
Small Apollo is found in meadows habitats, particularly across Central Europe. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Small Apollo Diet and Feeding
Small Apollo feeds primarily on nectar from flowers. In doing so, it acts as an important pollinator, transferring pollen between plants and contributing to plant reproduction and biodiversity.
Where Is Small Apollo Found?
Small Apollo can be found in Central Europe, where it inhabits meadows environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Small Apollo can be found
Is Small Apollo Dangerous?
Small Apollo is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Small Apollo Role in Nature
Small Apollo plays an important role as a pollinator. By visiting flowers to feed on nectar or pollen, it transfers pollen between plants, aiding in reproduction and helping to maintain plant diversity. Pollinators are essential for the production of many fruits, vegetables, and wildflowers.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Apollo
What does Small Apollo look like?
The Small Apollo typically measures 50-60 mm wingspan.
Where is Small Apollo found?
The Small Apollo is found in Central Europe and typically inhabits meadows environments.
What does Small Apollo eat?
The Small Apollo feeds primarily on nectar from flowers.
Is Small Apollo dangerous to humans?
The Small Apollo is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Small Apollo?
It only occurs above the treeline in the Alps and is one of Europe's highest-altitude butterflies.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Small Apollo (Parnassius phoebus). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/small-apollo
MLA:
"Small Apollo." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/small-apollo.