Which butterfly genus includes the Apollo butterfly?

Parnassius is the butterfly genus that includes the Apollo butterfly.

The Apollo butterfly is commonly known as Parnassius apollo, a large species in the family Papilionidae. It is associated with mountainous and rocky habitats across parts of Europe and Asia. Its pale wings carry distinctive red or orange eyespots bordered with dark markings, although the exact pattern varies among populations.

Parnassius is a notable genus because many of its species are adapted to cool, high-elevation environments. The caterpillars commonly feed on stonecrop plants in the genus Sedum and related host plants. Adults use nectar from alpine and meadow flowers.

The Apollo butterfly should not be confused with the common name “Apollo,” which can sometimes be used loosely for other Parnassius species. Parnassius is also distinct from Papilio, the genus containing many swallowtails. Scientific genera are especially useful here because common names can differ between countries.