This is a medium sized butterfly that often flies at low levels among grasses. The main colour is yellow with an attractive pattern of black with large red spots over the upper wings. The under wings have an intricate design, including a wavy line of black and red on an off-white background colour.

The caterpillars of this species are up to 3.5cm long. The colour can vary greatly from yellow to brown, covered in spines that are often orange.

Family: Papilionidae
Scientific name: Zerynthia rumina
English common name: Spanish Festoon
Spanish common name: Arlequín

Portuguese common name: Borboleta Carnaval

Wing size: 44-46mm
Altitude: Sea level to1500m
Flight time: March-May
Over-wintering: Chrysalis
Caterpillar food plant: Aristolochia species
Distribution: Iberia, Southern France, North Africa

Similar species: Not in Iberia (Southern France has Southern Festoon (Zerynthia polyxena)

Butterflies of Iberia
These are included in the list of butterflies in Andalusia.
Images taken in Andalucia, Southern Spain.

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