RM
Eyespot of the apollo butterfly, Parnassius apollo
Eyespot of butterfly. Macrophotograph of the wing of the apollo butterfly Parnassius apollo, showing an eyespot. Small overlapping scales produce the colouration and patterning of the wings. Here, a black and red, rounded eyespot is seen, occurring on the hindwing. The eyespot is a mimicry device. It resembles the eye of a larger animal, and it serves to startle predators when the wings are suddenly flashed open. Hindwing eyespots are otherwise hidden by the forewings. Parnassius apollo is a white and grey coloured butterfly, widely distributed in Europe and eastwards to central Asia. Adults appear in June to August.
More
Top Categories